Retired CSM Elder Sr.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) IJ Elder Sr. was born on November 9,1937 in Canton, Mississippi. He was the seventh of ten children born to Clyde Elder Sr and Ernestine (Galloway) Elder. He was affectionately called "Doocie" by his parents and siblings. The angels came and escorted our beloved father to eternal rest on September 20, 2025 in Fayetteville, NC. He lived a life defined by dedication, service, and love for his family and community. In February 1956, IJ enlisted in the United States Army, where he devoted 30 years of faithful service, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) before retiring in February 1986. His distinguished career included two combat tours in Vietnam where he demonstrated exceptional honor, leadership, and sacrifice. Among his many awards and decorations, he earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, two Bronze Stars with "V" Device for Valor, and the Purple Heart. His service and sacrifice leave behind a legacy of courage and devotion to his country. Beyond his military service, CSM Elder was an active and "Elite" member of the Samuel Council 555th "Triple Nickle" Parachute Infantry Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 6018), the American Legion and the Retired Military Association, where he cherished lifelong friendships and camaraderie. In his free time, he treasured moments with his family, shared stories from his service, watched his favorite shows (westerns and CNN) and dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his country, his steadfast love for his family, and the countless lives he touched through his friendship and service. A man of faith deeply committed to Jesus Christ, IJ was a member of Saint Jude Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed service at Fresh Water Anointing Christian Church in Lumberton. He was very generous, supporting charities committed to preserving culture, history and diversity. Amongst the many, his favorites include St. Joseph's Indian School in South Dakota, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. IJ and Edith were united in holy matrimony on October 9, 1959. Their union was blessed with five children. He was a providing husband, father, and grandfather, remembered for imparting lessons in history and instilling in his family a deep commitment to excellence. CSM Elder was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Ernestine; five brothers, Clyde Jr, Ulysses, Vernon, Mack Willie, and Ellis; and two sisters, Kathryn Elder and Maxine Ross. He is survived by his devoted wife, Edith; five children, Mary Miller (Monte), Carmen (Steve) Goulet, Pia Thompson, Nefertiti (Corey) Fields, and IJ Elder Jr.; two sisters, Beatrice (Percy) Evans and Helen Warren; 15 grandchildren Naaron, Candice, Miranda, McKenzie, Mariah, Stephanie, Steven, Clifford, Terence, Marcus, Patrick, Ishnel, Robert, Jacori and Namoni and 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at St Jude Missionary Baptist Church, 3600 Acordia Ln Hope Mills, NC 28348 at 1100, Saturday, September 27, 2025. He will be laid to rest with full military honors following the services. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, support, and comfort shared by friends and loved ones during this time of remembrance. In lieu of flowers send donations to: Samuel Council Chapter 555th P.I.A P.O. Box 555 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Attention Trooper CSM IJ Elder Scholarship fund