John Robert “Bob” McElroy Jr., age 83, of Gadsden, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Mr. McElroy was born in Gadsden, AL on June 24, 1938, son of the late John Robert McElroy, Sr and Velna Taylor McElroy. He graduated from Gadsden High School in 1956. After graduation, Bob attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Bob was the President of Gadsden Loan and Investment for more than 40 years until its sell. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Gadsden. When he was not in the office, you would find Bob at the 5W Lake fishing the open waters with friends and family. If you asked Bob what his favorite thing to do, his answer was always watching his three boys and his grandkids enjoy the 5W Lake as much as he did over the years. Frittatas for breakfast and a martini at dusk were always on the menu at the lake as were meaningful family times He is survived by his three sons John Robert McElroy, III of Birmingham, William Shelton McElroy (wife Kelli McElroy) of Gadsden and James Taylor McElroy (wife Erin McElroy) of Gadsden. Bob a.k.a. “Granddaddy” was devoted to his grandchildren: Sallie Elizabeth McElroy, Morgan Katharine McElroy, James Mahlon McElroy, Jacob Taylor McElroy, Carlie Connett and Corey Connect. His great grandchildren include William Mason Connect, Madelyn Elizabeth and Joseph Maddox. He is also survived by his cousin George Lyles of Mobile, AL whom Bob thought of as a brother, cousins Barbara Beamer of Tuscaloosa, Gene Foster of Birmingham, Diane Holcomb of Birmingham, and many other cousins nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. McElroy is preceded in death by his daughter Adrienne Ingate McElroy, and sister Joyce McElroy Hamilton. The family extends a very special thank you to the fine people at Comfort Care Hospice and Gadsden Health Care for their care of Bob. Graveside Services will be held on 2:00 Saturday, January 8th at Forrest Cemetery and officiated by Pastor Sam Hayes. Out of respect for the health & safety of others, the family will not have a visitation or reception after the service, but look forward to a Celebration of Bob’s Life in future when safety and health are not at risk. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the McElroy family.
