Elwood Franklin Hartman, Jr., was born on February 21, 1939, in Union, S.C., to Elwood Franklin Hartman, Sr., and Lillian Estes Hartman. He passed away in his sleep on October 2, 2026, in Greensboro, N.C. He is survived by his son, Alex; his sister, Mary; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Elwood grew up in the small town of Union, where he lived through the first grade, forming lifelong friendships. He described Union as a paradise for a young boy, where he could ride his bicycle all over town and play in the woods with his friends. Later in life, he kept his grandmother's house in Union, returning whenever he could to visit.

Elwood spent most of his childhood in Greensboro, N.C., where he attended and graduated from Greensboro Senior High School. He was editor of the high school newspaper, played the piano in the Euterpe Club, and was a National Merit scholar. While in high school, he met his future wife, Polly Young, when they shared lockers next to each other. After graduating from high school in 1957, Elwood attended Davidson College, graduating in 1961 with a degree in French. Elwood and Polly married in Greensboro on August 26, 1961. For their honeymoon, they drove cross-country to Palo Alto, Calif., where Elwood began graduate school at Stanford University. Elwood received his Master's and Ph.D. from Stanford in French Literary Studies in 1961, after completing dissertation research in Paris, France.

Elwood and Polly then embarked on a new life in Pullman, Wash. Elwood taught French language and literature for more than 40 years at Washington State University. Elwood traveled around the world twice, in addition to making annual visits to France, and also frequent month-long visits to French-speaking North and West Africa, especially Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. He developed a deep interest in Francophone literature and culture, including film, and particularly the genre of humor. Elwood and Polly also had their only child, Alex, while living in Pullman, although they lived as a family in Paris, France, on multiple sabbatical years. Elwood loved getting to know people from other countries and cultures, especially through food. He volunteered with organizations to assist refugees and help protect and promote civil rights. He adored classical music and enjoyed attending concerts as frequently as possible. He also participated actively in fellowship and musical worship through the Episcopal Church.

In retirement, Elwood continued traveling and attending conferences in the United States, France, and North Africa. He also began to spend more of each year back in Greensboro. He lost his wife, Polly, in 2021 after 59 years of a loving and adventurous marriage together. In his later years, he traveled with Alex to Washington, D.C., Lancaster County, Pa., Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. He remained a curious, caring, and empathetic person throughout his life. He also cherished the joy of laughter and a good meal with others. His unique presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

A musical prelude will commence at 10:40 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene Street, Greensboro.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Civil Liberties Union, National Public Radio, and the musical worship program at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Hartman family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Oct. 9, 2026.

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sister Mary

October 10, 2026

My older brother, Elwood, had a major influence on my life in several ways: music, academics, humor, appreciating other cultures and the family.
I awoke at 6:30 most mornings hearing him practice the piano; it was a wonderful way to awaken and led me to want to learn to play the piano. He also excelled academically and set an example of being a serious student, although both music and academics came more easily to him. He was always encouraging to me!
Humor, hearty laughter and downright silliness were important qualities and provide the best memories for me. We created our own phonics-based " language,"which wasn´t understood by adults, and enjoyed speaking and writing to each other in our special way. Numerous pranks often utilized our private vocabulary.
He loved to travel and never met a stranger. His knowledge of other ways of life led to a respect for all people, and such acceptance greatly influenced me to be respectful of those different from me.
No matter what was happening in our lives, I always knew my brother loved me and was always supportive of me. Such a relationship, besides being so much fun as a sibling, has been such an important, valuable part of my life. Abundant memories of Elwood as a brother extraordinaire will be cherished by me forever.