Herman Keith Elliott Sr., 74, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 10, 2025, after a 6-month battle with brain cancer.

Keith was born on August 22,1950, to Boyce Murray and Beatrice Bailey Elliott. He grew up on Charlotte Avenue near the YMCA where he spent most of his time as a child and in the summers from a young age through high school participated in swim meets. He excelled at free style and butterfly, winning numerous medals and even breaking state records. Keith’s two brothers, Boyce Murray Elliott, Jr. (deceased) and James Allen Elliott, and their families stayed close to him throughout his life. All three brothers spent their teenage years working at their dad’s service station, Elliott Exxon. Keith was educated in Rock Hill schools and in high school played football for the mighty Bearcats. He graduated from Rock Hill High School in the class of 1968.

On January the 6, 1969, Keith enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1972. He completed two successful, classified missions, one to Vietnam and one to Thailand. After completing his military service, he returned to Rock Hill and enrolled at Winthrop College on the GI Bill. He graduated on December 18, 1975, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude. In 1973, Keith married Martha Eleanor Moore and together they had three children, Jennifer Elliott Jones (Jimmy), Herman Keith Elliott, Jr. (Sarah), Martha Elliott Sanford (Robbie); five grandchildren, Grace Munday (Matt), Tiernan O’Rourke, Isabelle Elliott, Jack Elliott, and Harper Sanford; and two great- grandchildren, Braswell (Buster) and Renfro (Ren).

Keith’s 40-year career was mostly spent in the composites distribution business as a technical sales representative. However, along the way he also served as a chemical sales rep, national sales manager, partner in the establishment of a new fiberglass and resin company, and consultant. Highlights to his career were promotions and awards to include induction into the President’s Club at Composites One. Over the course of his career, Keith made many enduring friendships.

Keith was a life member of York Masonic Lodge 385, Hejaz Shriners, Gamecock Club, and Elk’s Club. He will best be remembered by his family and friends as an avid Gamecock fan, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, great shagger, and “BIG”.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Laurelwood Cemetery, 143 Laurel Street, Rock Hill, SC, 29730. At 6:00 p.m. a “Celebration of Life” will be held at Outsiders Tavern, 4124 Celanese Road, Rock Hill, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in Keith’s name to The Haven, 546 S. Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732, Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or any charity of choice.