In Memory of a Dear Friend

Steve posting this time so my apologies again that this will likely lack the charm and eloquence that my bride typically brings to this forum.

We wanted to take an opportunity to pay tribute to the life lived in service to others by our dear friend and fellow firefighter, William "Bill" Lewis Elliott, who died last Sunday following a tragic motorcycle collision. Bill was a loving husband to his wife, Nancy, and a devoted father to their three precious children. I first met Bill when he joined the City of Oak Ridge workforce as the mechanic for our fire apparatus in 1998. We shared a passion for automobiles and quickly developed a strong friendship that often centered around him helping me figure out what I had messed up on my old Chevy truck.

All of the members of the Oak Ridge Fire Dept. quickly recognized that Bill had the drive, passion, and personality that would make him an excellent fit as a firefighter. After nearly five years of coaxing and perhaps a bit of coercion, we won him over and he joined the ORFD. He indeed served there with the same level of care and commitment that he had previously applied to making sure our rigs were in the best working order. This career change, however, did not change his passion for all things mechanical and Bill continued to be the go to guy for keeping all of our and most of our families' cars and trucks on the road. More importantly, though, were the countless others that Bill repaired when folks in the community fell on hard times. Their ability to pay was always a secondary concern to Bill.

By far, the most poignant memory and reminder that Lee and I will carry forward of Bill sits as a little red monument to him in our garage over 3,000 miles from where he last saw "her". When we decided to move to Washington almost five years ago, the only two things that Lee truly cared about making the trip with her (thankfully besides me...)were her trusted companion Jasper and her 15 year old and nearly 200,000 mile tired little red Miata. Lee doesn't necessarily share the same passion for

cars in general that I do, but "Little Red" came into our lives just at the time that Lee's health was in rapid decline. Jesus gave us so many precious times of simply climbing in Little Red and riding off into the sunset with worship music blaring on the not-so-great speakers when Lee felt like doing nothing else. When it came time to move we labored over whether or not Little Red was up for the trip and I felt we had a divine answer when I got a sobbing call from Lee late one night after I had already moved to Washington telling me that something terrible had happened. It was difficult to understand amidst the tears but I gathered that it had something to do with lots of smoke and loud noises, which rarely mean anything good on a car that old. Lee had to say a painful goodbye just a few days later and Little Red's fate was left in the trusted and caring hands of our friend, Bill.

In the interest of time and space, I won't take you through the countless phone calls that took place over the next weeks as Bill labored to bring Little Red back to health, but suffice it to say that he came through for us yet again. Within two months of Lee's arrival in Washington, she and Little Red had a joyful reunion when another Bill, who is also dear to us, arrived with his son on a Saturday evening following a 3,200 mile adventure across the country. I know they too were very thankful that Bill Elliott "got it right" with Little Red! I am happy to say that Lee and I are still riding off into beautiful Pacific Northwest sunsets, winding up Mt. Rainier, and cruising along the Pacific Ocean beaches in Little Red. We continue to find her to be a place of respite and worship of our magnificent God and she will always serve as a rolling testimonial to Bill's love and dedication to his family, friends and customers.

I know that several of you who will read this were with me at Bill's funeral services yesterday and that we have all committed to love and serve his family as they move ahead following this devastating loss. Lee and I know well the love, compassion, and kindness that the Oak Ridge Fire Family brings to overwhelming adversity. We are so thankful to you for the ways you have loved us and know that you will care for the Elliotts.

I wanted to close with a couple of quick updates on Lee. Because of my trip to TN and a really challenging week for Lee, we had to postpone her follow-up appt. with the cardiologist on Thursday. Please pray that he will be able to see her this coming week so that we can get the results of the battery of tests that she went through and know what next steps may look like. She is also scheduled to see the new neuromuscular specialist in Seattle next Friday afternoon, so pray for a good rapport and open dialogue with her.

Lastly, we are scheduled to leave in just two short weeks for our trip to Greece and Israel. We have been planning for this for almost two years and Lee is determined to make the trip, but it is obviously imperative that she be healthy enough to do so safely. So, please be specifically in prayer for her levels of energy and stamina for this and for wisdom in making the right decisions about the trip.

As I mentioned, I did make a short notice trip back for Bill's services. I would have loved to have had the time and opportunity to see so many more of you in Tennessee but the short visit has made that impossible. Lee and I continue to be awed by your prayers and kind words. We love and appreciate you all!

In Him, Steve

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Messages

Sandi Henry

August 8, 2009, 4:04 PM

Steve, Lee's way with words must have rubbed off on you. That was a beautiful tribute to Bill E. I pray that Lee feels great before and during your trip of a lifetime, and for wise and loving doctors. Thank you for making the $ sacrifice to come to OR. I know you wouldn't have it any other way. It was good to spend a little time w/you. We love you guys!

debbie Mathews

August 8, 2009, 8:37 PM

Will pray for her energy and stamina. Also the Drs. and wisdom to know what next. I do hope you get to go on the trip. Deb Mathews

William Longworth

August 8, 2009, 10:25 PM

I did not know Mr. Elliot, but I must say that was a wonderful service. I am very happy that we were able to attend and represent ORNL. The city of Oak Ridge really did his memorial justice. The procession through the city was jaw-dropping - everyone just stopped and showed their reverence. Very respectful. I am also glad to have seen and spoken with you, Steve. Our prayers to you and Lee. From Tamara and myself.

carol sparks

August 8, 2009, 10:39 PM

You and Lee remain in my prayers. Love in Christ, Carol Sparks

Debby Swecker

August 9, 2009, 3:27 PM

Steve, Thank you for telling the story about Bill. I will keep his family in my prayers in the future. I will also be praying for Lee and you as you prepare to take the trip to Israel. We love you both. Debby and Dan Swecker

Sandy Temple

August 10, 2009, 3:22 AM

Steve and Lee, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I will pray for his family. I sooo hope You are able to make the trip to Israel and to enjoy it. I will pray for you both. With love and prayer, Sandy (Tiff's mom) cp:tiffanydrose

Jill Shelton

August 10, 2009, 3:58 AM

Steve & Lee, sorry to hear about the loss of your special friend. We will be praying for his family. Also praying for Lee's appointments and current health and that things work out wonderfully for your trip. I hope it does, I'm sure it's a well deserved trip and hopefully quality time,fun, and relaxation for you both. Take care of yourselves and each other!

Sherry Walker

August 10, 2009, 11:01 PM

I have heard what a wonderful person he was. We loved the story about the Miata. Rob and I have a gray 02. Nothing like having a bad day, throw the top back and turn up the radio.

Don Disney

August 11, 2009, 12:33 AM

Loving you!!!!!!!Don

Jason Benjamin

August 19, 2009, 3:22 AM

Despite the awful circumstances, it was so good to see you again, brother. I can't wait until I get to see Lee, too. I will continue to pray for both of you. God bless you both. I

love you two with all my heart!

terry runger

August 19, 2009, 11:43 AM

Hi, Lee, Your mom gave Jonnie Green your address for me, and I am so grateful to catch up with your journey. My heart breaks with yours and Steve's over Jasper's passing, and I hope you will find a new baby to love. Your messages are uplifting and inspirational, and I'm happy to see and hear about your numerous travels. I'm praying for both of you. Terry Runger

Bill Kelly

September 4, 2009, 9:58 PM

Dear Steve and Lee, Wasn't our trip to Greece and Israel just about the coolest time ever? Next to being blessed on the trip with great preaching from Pastor Mark and just being in the midst of so much of the history of Jesus on this earth--the best

thing was meeting so many wonderful people. You two are included in that number! After starting to catch up on the last two weeks worth of mail, etc--I visited your Carepages website. Except for the time at dinner in Tiberius when Lee shared some of her story, I had no idea the extent of your trials.

Amazingly Lee--you write so wonderfully about the blessings that you choose to glean from your difficulties instead of focusing on the them as negatives. Your trust in and love for our saviour Jesus Christ is inspiring. Jane and I hope to see you and Steve soon! God Bless, Bill Kelly