Darryl Lawrence Elliott

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the family.

Darryl Lawrence Elliott passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 63. He was born on October 31, 1961, to the late Larry and Joyce Elliott.

Darryl was an accomplished science fiction and fantasy artist, best known for his stunning graphite work. He could conjure a world, a character, or a story on anything — from canvas to a church bulletin. His illustrations appeared in Analog, Amazing Stories, White Wolf, Vampire: The Masquerade, and Asimov’s Science Fiction, where he was a seven-time Reader’s Choice Award winner. He created the first published image of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones and illustrated countless cards for games, including The Lord of the Rings and Mortal Kombat. His artwork reflected his lifelong love of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, anime, and, in his own words, “basically anything awesome.”

Beyond art, Darryl explored many creative paths: painting cars, working in advertising, and, with his then-wife Kit, serving as a foster parent at Christian City Home for Children. He also delighted in thrifting and reselling rare collectibles.

True to Devo’s words, he was never “through being cool.” His wardrobe — a mix of cyberpunk, goth, anime, and alternative styles — was an extension of his humor, creativity, and against-the-grain outlook on life. So legendary were his “fits” that when his children couldn’t choose what to bury him in, they decided to cremate him instead and raid his closet for the best looks.

Darryl is survived by his former wife, Kit Elliott; children Tegan Elliott (Grant Murray), Tara Donovan (née Elliott), Lilith Elliott, and Hayley Elliott; grandchildren Oliver and Evelyn Murray; siblings Lori Pattillo (née Elliott) and Mitch Elliott (Mathea); nephew Bryan Pattillo; niece Rebecca Pattillo (Charlotte Asmuth); and the many foster children whose lives he touched.

Darryl’s enthusiasm for the wacky and weird, his offbeat humor, and his immense creativity will be deeply missed.

A casual Celebration of Life will be held on October 1st at Harp's Crossing Children's Academy, 1577 Highway 85 S, Fayetteville, GA 30215. Friends and family are welcome anytime between 4:30–7:00 pm. Come dressed however you wish.

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