Thomas Granville “Billy” Elder

After a heroic battle with cancer and its related complications, Thomas Granville “Billy” Elder of Keysville, 70, died April 2, 2016, at his Charlotte County home.   Born October 23, 1945, he was the son of Thomas Garrison “Bill” and Cordelia “Coty” Mundy Elder of Cullen, VA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Milton J. Elder, and a sister, Brenda E. Tharpe.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Margaret Ann Jones Elder; a son, Nolan Garrison “Gary” Elder of Charlotte Court House; a daughter, Dr. Sarah Elder Fletcher and her husband Zach of St. John’s, FL; a granddaughter, Elizabeth “Eliza” Winfield Fletcher, and another granddaughter, Margaret Rhodes Fletcher, whose arrival is expected in May; a sister, Jackie Scruggs-Dodd of Cullen, numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.; and two special friends, Brant Acree of Wylliesburg, Va., and Brenda T. Jarman, of Cullen, VA.

Educated in the public schools of Charlotte County, he earned a B. S. in business administration and an M.Ed in education administration and supervision from VCU.  His career was devoted to public education within Charlotte County, VA.  He worked as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher, an assistant principal and principal of Central Middle School, a principal of Eureka Elementary, and a principal of Phenix – JMJ Elementary Schools.  For several years prior to his retirement, he worked as personnel director of the Charlotte County Public Schools.

A member of Madisonville Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the Charlotte County Lions Club, he enjoyed golf, fishing, a good Rook or Scrabble game, and traveling.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends.  He will be remembered for his wisdom, wit, friendliness to all, and his love of people and animals, particularly his beloved retrievers.

Services will be held on Wed., April 6 at 3 p.m. at Madisonville Presbyterian Church at 300 County Line Rd., Cullen, VA. Visitation will be at Browning-Duffer Funeral home in Keysville, VA on Tues., April 5 from 6 – 8 p.m.  The family requests that those wishing to make memorial contributions consider the following charities:  The American Cancer Society Relay for Life, c/o Bonnie Gilliam, Keysville, VA 23947; The Doorways (formerly the Hospital Hospitality House) 612 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23219, The Charlotte County Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 330, Keysville, VA 23947, or Madisonville Presbyterian Church, c/o Bryan Hamlette, treasurer, 1358 County Line Rd., Cullen, VA 23934.  The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.