Robert (Bob) Lee Elder, II, born in Jerome, AZ, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 4, 2024, at the age of 91.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Delsie Mae Elder; sister Dorothy (Dot) Mims; and his wife of 66 years, Angelia Elder.

He is survived by his daughter, Alayne (Jonathan) Griffin; son, Robert (Linda) Elder, III; granddaughters, Bethany (Jamie) Sexton, Alyssa Griffin, and Melody (Matthew) Downey; great-grandsons, Beckett, Wendell and Evander Sexton, and Wolfric Downey; niece, Pam (Doug) Fuller, and nephew, Phil (Terri) Mims, as well as great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Losing his mother at the age of three to appendicitis, Bob and his older sister Dot moved a lot as their dad did itinerant agricultural work in western TX and eastern NM and became an expert windmill repairman. This life of poverty and hardship did not lead to any educational or spiritual growth but at least instilled characteristics of resilience and resourcefulness in Bob. Through divine providence, he met and fell for Angelia in Las Cruces, NM, but as he was not a Christian, the only place she would go with him was to church. Eventually God brought Bob to Himself, and he and Angelia married when he was 21. It was then off to the US Army. After finishing the mandatory two years of service, at Angelias insistence, Bob enrolled in college, woefully ill-prepared, but determined to succeed. He worked his way through school as a brick and stone mason in Las Cruces, where many outdoor walls built by him remain. He did succeed and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His first child, Alayne, was born a few hours after his graduation. His son, Robert, followed two years later. The couple raised their children in KS and later OK, discipled into Christian family life by a wonderful pastor in KS. They miraculously were able to give their children a secure, nurturing home, as different from their own upbringings as night and day. He led by example in his church by teaching Sunday School classes, singing in choir, serving as a deacon, and hosting many visiting missionaries and evangelists in his home through the years.

In addition to loving service to his family and church, Bob was generous to a fault with his time and money towards others in need who crossed his path. He spent countless hours serving others with his vast handyman skills, building and repairing churches and homes, and doing whatever was needed. Whatever his hand found to do, he did it with all his might, and many are the beneficiaries of those selfless acts.

In addition to his successful professional life, Bob was truly a Renaissance man, always learning (MBA at age 50), always curious about life, an avid reader, interested in developing new skills, particularly in artistic endeavors. He took on all kinds of wood-working and carving, stained glass art, sketching, engraving, and as age and a stroke stole his dexterity, smaller arts and crafts projects, including many with his great-grandsons. All his projects were directed towards others, as he loved to give gifts made by himself.

He was a devoted grandfather and loved to host the granddaughters in his MS home. He and Angelia made many trips to OKC and Chattanooga to support granddaughters music and dance recitals, and important milestones, as well as just spending time with them.

A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 8451 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421, Family visitation and greetings will be Friday, May 10, at 10:00 AM, with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Eric Mullinax officiating. Interment of the cremains at the Chattanooga National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Services Visitation Friday May 10, 2024 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Covenant Presbyterian Church 8541 East Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Memorial Service Friday May 10, 2024 11:00 AM Covenant Presbyterian Church 8541 East Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN 37421