Rodney "Rod" King Elliott, 89, Virginia Beach, VA, lifelong resident of S. Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully at home in his bed on October 22, 2025, just as he always wanted.  "I want to go to sleep and not wake up." was his wish. He left this world in peace, without pain, surrounded by his family.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on December 6, 1935, Rod was the first son of the late Lawrence Elliott and Rita F. Stevens. He was predeceased by his sons Francis and Rodney Jr. (infants), and his daughter Kathrine Louise. Rod is survived by his loving wife, Frances ("Pam"), affectionately known to her as "Mr. Bear"; his devoted daughter, Kristie Hollingsworth; and his granddaughters, Hannah Foreman (Brandon) and Amanda L. Hollingsworth. He is also survived by his brothers: Jerry (Ingrid), their son Sean; Kenny (Paula); Lauran (Kathy) children Mark, Jocelyn, and Erica; his sister Susan and her daughter Kelsey.

From an early age, Rod had a passion for cars. He spent countless hours with his lifelong friend Ronnie Rouff, along with Ronnie's sisters Margo and Terry, working on cars and attending drag races with their parents, Fred and Marion.

Rod enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1953, beginning a distinguished 20-year career. He served aboard several survey ships, before reenlisting onboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10), other duty stations included Saufley in Pensacola, FL (where he met his bride), overseas onboard the Flagship (7th Fleet) USS Saint Paul (CA-73), USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5), USS Providence (CLG-6); NAS Atsugi (Japan), U.S. Weather Central in Guam, and finally NATTC Lakehurst, NJ, where he transferred to the Fleet Reserve as AGC-E7 on October 25, 1973.

During his naval service, Rod also discovered a love of flying and earned both his private and commercial pilot's license. He belonged to several flying clubs.

Among his fondest memories were flights the family made between Pensacola and his home in Toms River, NJ.

At just 38, Rod was far from ready to slow down. He began his second career as a truck driver with Wake-fern Foods (via Local 863), dedicating another 18 years before retiring again.

Yet even then, he stayed on the road working part-time with Scott Motor Coach, delivering and setting up RVs for major shows across the tri-state area while also driving limousines to and from New York City.

Rod's love for the open road, his country, and his family kept him grounded and content. A devoted reader, he enjoyed novels by Tom Clancy, James Patterson, W.E.B. Griffin, and John Sandford, among others.

His lifelong passion for military service, cars, trucks, planes and most of all his family made him honorable, compassionate and the "Bear" of a man he was until the day he passed.

He will be dearly missed but forever remembered with love. We find comfort knowing he is now reunited with his sons, Kathy, and his parents above.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rod's memory to one of the following veterans' organizations:

Wounded Warrior Project; Gary Sinise Foundation; The Navy League; Fleet Reserve Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)