George T. Elam, Jr., 88, of Salem, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024.He was born November 3, 1935, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of George T. Elam, Sr. and Vivian (Rooks) Blair-Elam. He married the love of his life, Judith Lender on February 1, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Central City, and she survives.In addition to his wife of 66 years, Judith Elam of Salem, George is also survived his sons: George Keith Elam of Salem, Douglas Lee Elam of Salem, and Chad Conway Elam and Gabrielle of West Palm Beach, Florida; three granddaughters: Brandy, Desirie, and Blaire; five great-grandchildren; a sister: Margaret Rose Martell and husband David of Richmond, Virginia; two nephews: Michael Martell of Richmond, Virginia and Matthew Martell and Mariah of Richmond, Virgina; and a great-nephew: Ryan Martell.He was preceded in death by his parents, son: Steven Thomas Elam, and mother and father-in-law: LaVerne and Herbert Waller.George served in the U.S. Air Force, where he ranked as Master Sergeant, worked with Radar Electronics, and retired after 24 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was also stationed in Turkey for almost 2 years. He was very proud of his service to his country. In his younger years, George enjoyed fishing and playing a round of golf. He was of the Christian Faith and taught his sons all about the Bible. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.Funeral Services for George Elam, Jr. will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Hillcrest Lakeside Mausoleum in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois, 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to George’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook page.
