Athens - Charles Edward Elliott, 77, passed away on August 22, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was born December 24, 1948, in Brownsboro, Texas, to William "Bill" and Nixine Elliott. Charles spent most of his life in East Texas and proudly called Athens home.

Growing up in Brownsboro, Charles learned early the value of hard work and a dollar earned. He mowed lawns, hauled hay, worked cattle and helped with his parents' various businesses. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and remained a devoted Longhorn fan throughout his life. Just two months before graduating from college, financial hardship struck his family, and Charles left school to help. He began wholesaling cars and building spec homes in Tyler, setting in motion a business career that would span decades.

In his early 30s, Charles purchased the Chevrolet dealership in Athens and put his own name on it, creating Elliott Chevrolet. With the help of his wife, Alicea, and a group of loyal employees he regarded much like family, he successfully operated the dealership for 25 years. He later purchased Eaton Motor Co. and combined the dealerships to create EasTex Autoplex. Before selling the business in 2007, Charles took care to find buyers he believed would share his commitment to treating employees and their families well.

Retirement from the car business did not mean retirement from work. Charles turned his attention to real estate and ranch development, creating hunting properties and doing much of the work himself. He had completed two ranch properties and was working on a third. He was especially happy behind the wheel of a tractor or bulldozer, turning a piece of land into something he could envision long before anyone else could see it.

Charles also gave his time and experience to the communities he loved. He served on the city councils of both Brownsboro and Athens and was appointed as a special commissioner for the Tarrant Regional Water District. He played a role in economic development projects that brought hundreds of jobs to Athens and Henderson County, and delighted in supporting young people through the Henderson County Livestock Show. For his dedication to the livestock show, he was awarded the Woodrow Walker Memorial Award in 2007 for his outstanding contributions in time, talent and general support.

The outdoors was one of Charles' great loves. He enjoyed golf, fishing, time at the lake and, after earning a pilot's license in his 50s, time in the air. Most of all, though, he loved hunting — particularly quail hunting. His knowledge of wildlife conservation led to him being named in 2003 as the inaugural co-chairman of the Texas Quail Council for Texas Parks & Wildlife. He served in that position for eight years, helping preserve and protect habitat for the game bird he loved to hunt and, preferably, eat fried.

Those passions became family traditions. Many of the Elliott family's favorite memories were made at the ranch or on the lake. Charles passed his love of the outdoors to his children, Dustin, Brittani and Alexandra "Lex," but the lesson he most wanted to pass along was independence. He believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility and doing what you said you would do. Nothing made him prouder than seeing his children and grandchildren become capable, confident people who could build lives of their own.

Charles shared 34 years of marriage with the love of his life, Alicea; they would have celebrated their 35th anniversary in December. Their partnership was built on hard work, loyalty, mutual respect and love. For all he accomplished in business and in his community, he counted his family as his greatest accomplishment.

An old soul with grit to spare, Charles listened more than he spoke. When he did offer advice, people tended to pay attention. He valued a firm handshake, direct eye contact and people who meant what they said. He had little patience for foolishness or pretense, but if someone truly needed help, Charles was often willing to give it without expecting recognition or anything in return.

His generosity was often quiet. After his mother died, Charles continued paying her tithe to her church for years, without fanfare. He had a deep reverence for God and believed character was shown more by what a person did than by what a person said. Over the years, he mentored many and earned the respect of friends, employees, business associates and people throughout the community.

Charles is survived by his wife, Alicea Elliott; his son, Dustin Elliott and wife Brittney, and their children, Lillie, James and Adele; his daughter, Brittani Dorociak and husband Kyle, and their children, Hudson, Hannah and Harper; his daughter, Alexandra "Lex" Elliott; his brother, Butch Elliott and wife Margaret; niece Tiffany Thornburg and husband Jeff, and their children Ryan, Logan and Macy; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Nixine Elliott.

True to his wishes, Charles will not have a traditional funeral. Instead, a celebration of his life will be held from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on September 3, 2026, at Athens Country Club. Family and friends are invited to gather, share their memories and celebrate the husband, father, Papaw, businessman, outdoorsman and friend they knew and loved.

In lieu of flowers and other tributes, the family is establishing a scholarship in his name, more information will follow.