According to the Richmond Daily News' online obituaries, former San Francisco 49ers running back Lenvil Elliott passed away yesterday.
Elliot started his NFL career in 1973 when he was drafted by the Bengals. He then played for San Francisco after being traded to the team in 1979 and retired in 1981 after helping the team to win their first Super Bowl.
Lenvil O. Elliott I, 57, of Richmond, died at 11:10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at the Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond.
Lenvil was born on Sept. 2, 1951 in Lexington, the son of Lenvil Nelson and Helen Constance (Williams) Elliott; they both preceded him in death.
Lenvil was a 1969 graduate of Richmond High School. He received his B.A. degree in education from Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville in 1972. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and played running back from 1973 to 1979. He was then traded to the San Francisco 49ers and played running back from 1979 until winning Super Bowl XVI and retiring in 1981. He was also a member of the Laborers Union Local # 1290. He lived most of his life in Richmond and was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include: one son, Lenvil O. Elliott II of Cameron; one daughter, Melissa R. Elliott, and her companion, Jon Seever, of Richmond; one sister and brother-in-law, Brenda Bowler and her husband, Allen, of Anchorage, Alaska; two grandsons, James Kearney II and RaShaad Elliott; and his former wife and lifelong friend, Linda Elliott, of Richmond.
In addition to his parents, one brother, William A. Elliott, preceded Lenvil in death.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lenvil's grandsons' education fund.
Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Thurman Funeral home in Richmond. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.
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