Charles Elliott graduated from Erskine College and studied law at the University of South Carolina and Columbia University. His wife, the former Irene Dillard, shared his zest for intellectual pursuits.
He practiced law in Columbia while a teacher of law at the University of South Carolina. He served as President of the Richland County Bar Association in 1949.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa, his scholarship contributed to the development of constitutional and property law in South Carolina. His great domed head was said to be a veritable law library, anthology of familiar quotations, and compendium of the Bible and of church and secular history.
He was a tennis champion at Erskine and an excellent golfer. His gentle humor and kindness helped earn him the warm friendship of academic, civic and professional leaders.
A life Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, he was a member of the Kosmos Club, the Forum Club and various professional and honorary societies.
His concern for his students won their deep affection.