DOWNEY – Richard “Mr. Purple” Elliott Sr., born Oct. 1, 1944 in Detroit, Mich., the son of Robert Lem and Daisy Mae Elliott, died Nov. 11. The second of five children, he graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1970. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Silver Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Richard met his wife, Mary, in 1959 at Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit. In 1966, they married and this union produced three children. They were married for 48 years.

After he left the Marines, Richard lived and worked in Washington, D.C. before moving to California and making it his permanent residence. He worked for Magnavox in Torrance as an electronic technician before becoming an entrepreneur.

Richard had a booth at the Norwalk Indoor Swapmeet where he did video pictures. He also set up at car shows where he took pictures, and was a photographer at private parties. He also owned his own t-shirt store in Lynwood.

For more than 30 years, Richard was active within Toastmasters International. He held various positions and received many awards for his speeches and dedication to the organization.

He also was an active member of the Lynwood Unified School District.

Richard’s parents, Daisy and robert Elliott, and brother, William McCreary, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; two daughters, Andrea Johnson and Lizet; a son, Richard Jr.; one grandson, Marlin Johnson; three granddaughters, Jasmine Johnson, Marta and Daniela Elliott; one brother, Ronald Elliott; two sisters, Blanche (B.J.) Edmunds and Bernadine Shannon; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Richard was interred at Riverside National Cemetery on Monday.

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Published: Dec. 4, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 34