Obituary of William D. Elwell

William (Bill) David Elwell, age 82, passed away on February 16, 2019, of complications from kidney disease at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola FL. He was currently living with his daughter, Jenni Elwell, in Seminole, AL. Bill was a retired U.S. Naval pilot and subsequent entrepreneur of TESCO and PJ's Coffee and Tea. Bill was born in 1936 in Hornell, NY, to Charles William Elwell and Onolee (Payne) Elwell. He was married to Kay(Ebner)Elwell, mother of his three children, and to Ivy Rose(McCary)Elwell, both of whom predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his parents and a brother, Dana Charles Elwell, as well as a granddaughter Elizabeth Elwell. Bill grew up in Troupsburg, NY, graduating from Troupsburg Central School in 1953. He then received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Parks College, St. Louis University. He pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a U.S. Naval Pilot by earning his wings as a Naval Aviation Cadet in Pensacola, FL. He then flew fighter planes from the USS Enterprise, and communication aircraft in Rota, Spain. Bill survived a night surrounded by enemy patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin, after his fighter plane was shot down. During his time in the service he lived in, and was stationed in many places throughout the United States and the World. Later in his life, Bill pursued and was proudly inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution. Bill is survived by two daughters, Jenni Elwell of Seminole, AL, and Laura Leathwood (Stewart and daughter Ashley), of Reston, VA, a son, Jeffrey Elwell (Kim), of Katy, TX, along with five grandchildren, Danielle Lindsey, Brandy Lightsey (John), Amanda Lindsey, David Elwell (Arianna), and Emma (Elwell) Murray(Luke); two great-grandchildren, Christopher Stallworth and John Lightsey, JR. In addition he is survived by his sister, Sandra (Elwell) Szepansky (Charles), seven nieces and 1 nephew. A memorial service with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery onboard Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL on a DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED.