Alvon Creighton Elrod, Sr.

Clemson - Alvon Creighton Elrod, Sr., 89, of Clemson, SC passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Clemson Downs. He was born on December 28, 1928, in Walhalla, SC, the son of William Crayton Elrod and Alice DeWitt Corbin Elrod. His siblings included two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Ivestor (Ray) of Charleston, SC, and Miriam Alice Elrod (deceased); and an identical twin brother, William Corbin Elrod (Carolyn) of Clemson.

Alvon married his wife of sixty-six years, Sarah Ruby Kay Elrod on September 7, 1951. They raised their six children, Linda Elrod Craig (Bill), Alvon Creighton Elrod, Jr. (Maureen), Judith Elrod Dabney (Randolph), Cheryl Elrod Washburn (Scott), Robert Clint Elrod (Shannon), and Harold William Elrod (Julie) in Clemson, SC. They also have eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In his youth, Alvon was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he served as Assistant Scout Master of Troop 45 in Walhalla, SC.

Alvon received BS and MS degrees at Clemson College, followed by his PhD from Purdue University, all of these in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of honorary fraternities Tau Beta Pi (Engineering) and Phi Kappa Phi. While in college at Clemson he participated in ROTC and Senior Platoon. After graduation, he served in the Air Force for two years of Active Duty followed by twenty-eight years of Reserve Duty, ultimately attaining and retiring at the rank of full Colonel. As an Air Force officer, leader, commander, and engineer, he worked extensively with research, design, and development of cutting-edge technology ranging from wind tunnels to jet engines.

He taught Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University, retiring in 1988 after thirty-seven years. During that time, he positively impacted the education and lives of countless future engineers. He often worked on other interesting engineering opportunities like Air Force and NASA systems in Tullahoma, TN; GE gas turbines in Greenville, SC; and a one-year leave of absence with GE Jet Engines in Cincinnati, OH. He remained involved with the University as Professor Emeritus and received the Clemson Fellow award. He was an active member of ASME and SAE, and contributed many years of work with the accreditation process for certifying Professional Engineers.

Together with former student and close friend Tim Nelson, Alvon developed a fuel saving automobile innovation, The Clemson Camshaft, which greatly improved engine performance. For this work, he and Mr. Nelson were awarded numerous US and International Patents.

In retirement, Alvon enjoyed working in his yard, golf, restoring classic cars, and traveling to visit his widespread family.

Alvon was a long time member of Clemson First Baptist Church, serving as Sunday school teacher, sound engineer, deacon, and avid volunteer. He participated in several mission trips to Honduras with Habitat for Humanity. He was active with the Sertoma Club in Clemson for many years and was honored as Sertoman of the Year.

Alvon was a loving husband, father, brother, son, incredible teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend. He was involved in many community, educational, and charitable organizations, and was loved and admired by all individuals who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He laughed and cried with a passion, and was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need, be it friend or stranger.

Even in death, Alvon's generosity and devotion to education were evident by his choice to donate his body to the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine Gift of Body program for medical research.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Clemson at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2018. Following the service, full military honors will be rendered for Colonel Elrod in front of the First Baptist sanctuary. Visitation will follow the conclusion of the military honors ceremony.

In Alvon's memory, contributions may be made to The Alvon C. Elrod and William C. Elrod Endowed Scholarship (B1501) at the Clemson University Office for Development, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631; or people may wish to make donations to their favorite charity.