Elmer Charles Atchley, 60 of Arab passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Marshall Medical Center North. Elmer was born August 31, 1963 in Pell City, the son of Paul Ray Atchley and Mary Elizabeth Oden Atchley. He was a graduate of Arab High School, class of 1981. He joined the US Army August 11, 1983 and was honorably discharged October 24, 1993. During his duty he served as Military Police for over 9 years. He was a former Chaplain for the VFW, a member of the American Legion and was an ordained minister with the Church of God of Prophecy.
He is survived by his wife: Susan Parker Atchley; daughter: Heather Rae Miyazaki (Daishi); son: Gary Atchley; grandchildren: Leona Rae Miyazaki and Aya Noelle Miyazaki; special friends: Eugene “Buster” Walker, Cody Walker and Warren Atchley; sisters: Ellen Roberts, Judy Endsley, Paulette Doetman, Peggy Smith and Mary Mann; brothers: Phillip Atchley and Kenneth Atchley; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded by his parents: Paul Ray and Mary Atchley; siblings: Randy Atchley, Raymond Atchley, Paul T. Atchley and James Marion Griggs.
Elmer was a man of many talents. He enjoyed writing and had quite a knack with the written and spoken word. He loved God above all else, having accepted Jesus Christ during his teen years. Many of his former classmates remember him bringing his bible to school every day. Later he became a deacon, subsequently pastoring the Arab Church of God of Prophecy for 10 years, only stepping down due to health reasons. He had the heart of a servant, reaching out whenever and wherever he could to aid and assist-it was second nature to him.
He dearly loved the outdoors and nature, fishing until his health precluded it. One of his fondest memories was having a small farm, raising cattle, goats, chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats. Sitting on the front porch watching the animals and just enjoying his rural surroundings was a blessing to him.
He loved his sports-wrestling, Nascar, but especially Alabama football. He was even a league football coach for many years. The military was very dear to him, having proudly served the U.S. Army in the capacity of an M.P. for many years. In his later years he proudly attended various patriotic support groups, even serving as Chaplain for the Arab VFW for a time.
Above all, he cherished family- his siblings, cousins, aunts, friends-all were precious jewels to him-above all, his wife, children and grandchildren. He often said his greatest joy was to be a husband, father,and grandfather- three titles he was proud to bear.
The Celebration of Life Service will be 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Oleander Methodist Church with Keith Christopher officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday at the Oleander Methodist Church with the Celebration of Life from 5-6.
