James B. ""Mac"" McElvian

Tech Sgt. James B. "Mac" McElvian, USAF (CCT), retired, age 84, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. He was born in Altha, Fla., to Graves Howell McElvian and Olga Hansford McElvian on March 23, 1929. He has been a resident of Fort Walton Beach since his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1971.
Mac was a Vietnam veteran, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 7674, and "Life Member #1" of the Combat Control Association.
Mac holds a place in the annals of USAF history as a member of the very first Combat Control Team formed in 1953. His family is most proud of him and his service to this great country.
Mac is preceded in death by his loving wife Margie E. McElvian.
He is survived by three daughters and one son; Mary M. McElvian, Teresa A. Dozier (Richard), Brenda L. Pratt (Hal Blanton), and James H. McElvian (Gloria); five grandchildren, Alex D. Alvarez, Angie Coleman Rao, Mark A. Roberts, Ryan H. Dozier, and Shannon L. Pratt; and five great-grandchildren; Yanasa T. Alvarez, Krishna Rao, Anna V. Dozier, Elijah J. Dozier, and Austin L. Pratt.
The family also wishes to thank Mrs. Joan Young and Mrs. Brenda Guthrie for their kindness and friendship to our father over the years.
A public graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach.
Floral tributes will be accepted at the funeral home for those who desire.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of the Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.