George Anderson Elam
September 6, 2024
CHARLOTTE – George joined his precious wife, Laura Antoinette “Toni” Kratt in the next great mystery of life on Friday, September 6, 2024. Born in Shelby, NC on October 4, 1941, to Reuben Lee Elam and Libby McCurry Elam, he was given the name of his great-grandfather, George Anderson Elam.
At age 23 he moved to Charlotte to attend UNCC, and was pleased to have been in the second graduating class. He earned four degrees from three universities: BA (1967) and MA (1997) from UNCC, an MPA (1969) from the University of Michigan, and a PhD (2001) from Idaho State University. His study and career interests were always in the pursuit of helping others. He spent 22 years with the City of Charlotte, retiring in 1992, then pursuing degrees in Counseling and Counseling Education.
George was happy in life with his beloved wife, Toni, whom he met in 1982 and married in October 1986. They enjoyed over 36 years together before being separated by her death in 2023. She was the love of his life and the rose of his heart. He had a daughter from a prior marriage, Pam Bradford, who brought into the family a cherished granddaughter, Ava Surrilda Bradford. He considered these his blessings: Toni, Pam, Ava, and the wonderful relationship between Toni and Pam. His love for each of them and the love they returned to him were the greatest years of his life.
Besides helping others, George was also infected with a sense of adventure. He did an Outward Bound course along the coast of Maine, embarked on multiple long distance cycling and backpacking trips with friends, and hiked the Appalachian Trail. He and Toni enjoyed camping and traveling the Pacific Northwest, southwest and across the country. Later in life they enjoyed weekend and day trips to the Appalachian Mountains and trips to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Ireland and Scotland.
George had three siblings and five nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He carried each niece and nephew in his heart with love and longing for their health and well-being. He was also blessed by his mother’s family of two uncles, six aunts and 25 first cousins.
George is survived by his daughter, Pam Bradford and her partner, Michael Akers; granddaughter, Ava; sisters, Elizabeth Mascarenhas and Martha Sheppard; nephews, Lee Mascarenhas and his wife, Julia and John Mascarenhas; nieces, Kelly Murray and her husband, Damu and Julie Elam and great-niece Scarlet Murray. He was predeceased by his brother, John Elam; brothers-in-law, Jos Mascarenhas and Jim Sheppard and nephew, Jason Sheppard.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Southminster Retirement Community. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of George to Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 or Via Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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So sad to hear of George’s passing but know he is in a better place and making the most of it’ I considered George a good friend who became very special while he worked on his PhD at Idaho State University. I was the secretary in the department.who got to know him from his application to his graduation.and I missed him when he and Toni left Pocatello, they hosted great parties and even took me to one of Toni’s concerts. What a great twosome. He spoke of his daughter fondly. He was a loving man and one knew it the moment they met, The world
Lost a great, loving and God fearing man. I can picture him in his jeep he
Loved. -
So sad to learn of my cousin George Elam passing…so many fond memories of his kindness and fun when all the McCurry cousins got together. He was a magnetic force, and I will always remember his laugh and quick wit. My sincere condolences to his heirs and siblings.
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Your Dad was one of a kind. Spending those 3 or 4 days with you and George on the AT changed the focus of my life. I learned it isn't about things but about people and experiences. Your Dad was a stand up guy and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
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Quietly brilliant, very caring, extremely compassionate, fun, thoughtful, loving and passionate about public service: that was George What a gift to have known and worked with him. That smile, soft and concerned voice, listening ear and fun spirit made him a special friend. I will miss our times past and present where George was where he loved to be with friends, a drink and conversation. One of the great love stories was George's admiration for his daughter and Laura (Toni) that he admired and was totally dedicated to their well-being. I will miss George and his beautiful smile, sly wit, loving demeanor and dedication to our planet Earth. Be a peace my special friend.
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Ah George. I'm sorry you've left, I'm glad you passed peacefully. My life was sweetened by your humor, friendship, and love. You're missed.
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