Jimmie LeGrande Elrod, 88, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was a member of the Wood Avenue church of Christ. He was the only child of Terrell and Ruby Elrod of Florence, Alabama, born on November 3rd, 1934. He graduated from Coffee High School in 1953. Upon graduation he went to the University of Alabama where he majored in Chemistry. After a year he came home to Florence to finish his degree but mainly to marry his sweetheart, Shirley Tully. They would have been married 66 years in July. Jim graduated from the University of North Alabama with degrees in Math and Chemistry and a Masters in Industrial Engineering.
Jim worked in the space program back in the early 1960’s in the development of solid rocket fuel with Morton Thiokol and then later with the Tennessee Valley Authority and was responsible for creating innovative advances in the fertilizer industry. Upon his retirement from TVA, he worked for several Fortune 500 companies as a consultant and is the holder of several United States and Canadian patents.
Jim loved all sports, especially golfing, softball and basketball. In addition to his fulltime job, he loved having a side business to run. He owned the Union 76 service station on Huntsville Road with his dad, a microfilm company in the days before computers, a parking lot maintenance company, and even manufactured and sold fishing lures. After retirement, he ran his own consulting firm and he and Shirley took the opportunity to travel and meet with many of the companies interested in his patents and knowledge.
Jim also lent his talent and skill to many worthwhile endeavors. He led the Lauderdale Country Republicans for several years in the 1970’s and was the Mars Hill Booster Club President during the same time period. He was key in starting the Junior Pro Basketball Program at Mars Hill as well as helping oversee the building of the newest Mars Hill Gymnasium. He was both proud and fortunate to be an Elder of the Wood Avenue church of Christ.
Most of all Jim was a dedicated child of God who loved the Lord all his life. He adored his family and felt blessed to be a citizen of America. He was a highly intelligent man with a sharp wit and incredible sense of humor. We’ve laughed a lot in our family and will continue to do so with him in our hearts, minds and memories.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his son, Gregg (Gale) Elrod and his daughter, Suzanne French. Other survivors include four grandchildren, who loved him dearly: Maribeth (Tyler), Addison (Rhett), Amelia and Jack. He was also great-grandfather to Ruby, Palmer and Florence, who will hear stories and memories about him all their lives.
A memorial service will be held at Wood Avenue church of Christ on Wednesday, June 14th at 2:00 in the afternoon.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Mann, who took great care of their husband and father for most of his life and the wonderful team of doctors and nurses at NAMC who rallied around him in those last days and made his passing easier for him and for all of us.
Wood Avenue church of Christ has a wonderful missions program if you wish to donate in his name.
