Earl Thadous McElveen, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 24th with his family by his side. Earl was the son of the late Samuel and Viola McElveen of Lynchburg, SC. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Gladys, and five brothers: Milburn, Wyatt, Cecil, Edward, Ray and Legrand McElveen and two sisters: Clarice Lee and Valerie Johnson. He is survived by two sons: Felix McElveen and Thadous McElveen and their wives, and a daughter, Carmen… Read More » Lord and her husband; two granddaughters, Kristen Fry and Lauren Larson and their husbands, and two great- grandsons, Michael and Richard Jarvis Fry, as well as many nieces and nephews. Earl, a World War II veteran, served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army in the 70th Infantry. His division was part of the American Theater in Europe where he fought in the trenches beside many French soldiers. During his time of service, he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star for his meritorious service in a combat zone. Shortly after returning from service, Earl moved to Charlotte where he met his wife of 69 years. Before moving to Newton, he lived much of his married life in Charlotte, NC. Initially, he owned a successful hardware store on Park Road. After this business venture, Earl moved his career to Standard Crankshaft Company where he spent the remainder of his working years as a machinist. Through the years, he pursued a variety of interests. For instance, for several years he donned his dancing shoes and western attire and twirled Gladys around the dance floor as a member of a square dancing club. On other occasions, he traded his dancing duds for more of an outdoorsman look to enjoy time outside. He spent many years boating and fishing the waters of Lake Norman, Lake Waccamaw, and the Atlantic. After retiring, Earl enjoyed traveling. Together Earl and his wife traversed the country several times and traveled abroad. In his final years, however, he seemed content to spend his time playing Canasta with his friends and family, doing yard work, or simply tending the birds that he enjoyed watching from his dining table window. Earl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed. A service to honor and celebrate Earl’s life will be held on Thursday, June 28th at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Staton will officiate. Burial with military honors by American Legion Post 16 will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Condolences may be sent to the McElveen family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com The McEvleen family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Conover, 828-465-2111
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Earl Thadous McElveen 2018. Bennett Funeral Service
Death notice for the town of: Conover, state: North Carolina