Sheila Gwendolyn Elliott, 74, of Dawsonville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Born on August 22, 1951, to the late Herbert and Bobbie Goswick, Sheila was a lifelong resident of Dawson County and the devoted co-owner of Ernie Elliott, Inc.

Known for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to family, she loved traveling, music, and cooking. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Casey Elliott, who passed away in January 1996 at age 21 after a two-year battle with synovial sarcoma. In his honor, the Elliott family became the presenting sponsors of Dawson County’s Relay for Life event, a role they maintained for over a decade.

Sheila’s commitment to this cause was evident as she actively participated in organizing and supporting the event, underscoring her dedication to raising awareness and funds for career research. Beyond her role at the family business, Sheila also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Ernie Elliott, Inc., contributing behind the scenes to the operation of one of NASCAR’s prominent engine-building firms.

During her 55 years of marriage to Earnie Elliott, she supported his engine business in myriad ways, working alongside him to maintain and grow the operation. However, over the years, Sheila’s life was not without controversy. In 2015, she was arrested on a charge stemming from an alleged incident at her husband’s shop, in which she was accused of attempting to run Ernie over with her vehicle.

Sheila is survived by her husband, daughters Julie Hamby (Matthew) of Wilson, Wyoming, and Nicki Elliott (Brad Davis) of Dawsonville; her sister, Linda G. Townley of Dawsonville, and her cherished grandchildren: Chris and Brianna Hamby, Emma Hamby, Devin Knight, Elizabeth Knight, and Sarah Knight, along with many other relatives. As of now, no quotes have been given by anyone in public.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sawnee View Gardens, with visitation on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chase Elliott Foundation at www.chaseelliott.com/foundation.

Ernie Elliott Inc.: a legacy of excellence in NASCAR engine building

Ernie Elliott Inc., founded by renowned engine builder Ernie Elliott in Dawsonville, Georgia, has been a cornerstone in the NASCAR racing community. Established in the early 1980s, the company gained prominence for its precision-engineered race engines that powered numerous NASCAR teams to victory. Ernie’s expertise was instrumental in his brother Bill Elliott’s success, including his remarkable 1985 season, where he secured 11 wins and set a NASCAR qualifying record at Talladega Superspeedway.

Over the years, Ernie Elliott Inc. expanded its operations to meet the growing demands of the racing industry. By 2014, the company had restructured and began supplying engines for NASCAR’s top three series and the ARCA Racing Series.

This expansion included the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility featuring CNC machine shops capable of producing parts in-house, including five-axis simultaneous machining of cylinder heads and intake manifolds. The facility also housed multiple engine-testing dyno cells and an in-ground chassis dyno, ensuring the highest quality and performance standards.

The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence was recognized within the industry. In 1985, Ernie Elliott was honored with the title of Engine Builder of the Year, and in 1989, he was named Engine Builder of the Decade for the 1980s. These accolades underscored his significant contributions to the sport and the high regard in which he was held by his peers.

In 2020, MTI Racing acquired the former 35,000 sq ft facility of Ernie Elliott, Inc., continuing the legacy of high-performance engine building in Dawsonville. This transition marked a new chapter in the region’s rich motorsports history, preserving the expertise and dedication of Ernie Elliott in his operations.

Today, the legacy of Ernie Elliott Inc. lives on through the continued success of its engines in various racing series and the enduring impact of Ernie’s contributions to the sport. His commitment to excellence and innovation has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.