Roland Ray McElrath

Reflections on the Life Journey of Roland Ray McElrath, Sr.

Roland Ray McElrath Sr. was born on May 23, 1935. He was the youngest of eleven children born to Jeff and Madge McElrath in Decaturville, Tennessee. Surrounded by his family, he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on February 27, 2026, at the age of ninety years, nine months and four days old. ¬Roland used his time on Earth wisely and leaves behind a lasting legacy.

In 1954, Roland graduated from Decatur County Training School in Decaturville, Tennessee, where he was a member of a talented basketball team and served as class president. While working numerous part-time jobs to support himself and pay his tuition, he earned a Bachelor's degree in three years in Agriculture with a minor in Chemistry from Tennessee State University in 1957. He later went on to earn a Masters' degree in Agriculture, as well as a plus 45 post collegiate credential from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Roland met his future wife, Janice White, while they were both young college students in Nashville, Tennessee. On their first date, they went to church together. Roland and Janice were united in holy matrimony, and they continued to seek and serve God together throughout their 68 years of marriage.

After they married, Roland and Janice settled in Camden, Tennessee. The church in their community, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, was inactive and in need of a pastor. Roland immediately initiated a successful search for a pastor, the doors were

re-opened, and Roland served as a faithful member, leader, and deacon for sixty-five years, until the doors closed in 2020.

Roland's first teaching job was in Benton County Schools segregated high school where he taught all subjects to students in grades 6-8. After the integration of the county schools in the mid-sixties, he taught math and science at Camden Central High School. In 1977, Roland was transferred to the new Benton County Career and Technical Center to teach agriculture and horticulture. He retired in the year 2011¬ - ¬with a total of fifty- two years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was recognized as holding the longest tenure of any Benton County Schools teacher.

During his career, two of his most rewarding experiences were serving as an advisor to the Future Farmers of America club and teaching students not only the skills necessary to start and maintain a greenhouse but also introducing them to the entrepreneurial aspect of growing and selling plants. In these roles he imparted an appreciation for agricultural science into hundreds of high school students and as a result, has forever impacted the agricultural landscape of Benton County, Tennessee. His contributions were recognized in 2002 when he received The Distinguished Service Award by Benton County Schools.

Roland spent his entire adult life caring for and supporting his family. His calm demeanor, deep wisdom, and unassuming high hopes inspired the young people in his family to live respectfully and pursue excellence in their life choices.

He was preceded in death by his son in law, Tim Mockabee, and his five sisters, Pauline Phelps, Novella Menzies, Novella Montgomery Shannon Goldthreate, Elva McElrath, and Nora May McElrath and five brothers, James, Paul, Jeff, Arlandas, and Thomas McElrath.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 68 years, Janice White McElrath, Daughters, Ernestine (David) Adams, Teresa (Kevin) Smith Sr, Jacqueline McElrath, Sons, Ernest (Brenda) McElrath, Roland (Michelle) McElrath, Jr.

Thirteen grandchildren: Sherrie (Marchello) Middlebrooks, April (Joey) Carr, Kevin Jr. (Victoria) Smith, Ernest (Victoria) McElrath, Bryan Adams, Whitney McElrath, Roland McElrath III, Malcolm Smith, Martin Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Bond, Skyler Grandberry, and Joseph Powell (Bonus Grandchild).

Twelve great grandchildren: Amelia, Elliott, Greysen, Gia, Alex, Harleigh, Mikayla, Skyler Jr, Kennedy, Brandon, Bailey, Amaya and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special appreciation for Tia Rudd, dear neighbor, Chuck Boggs, former student and trusted neighbor, and Daisy Mai Primm, loving and devoted caregiver.

Also, the family wishes to send a special thanks to the owner, staff, and Wanda Ferguson at Country and Western Restaurant, Dr. Robert Orgain, Dickson Medical Associates, Dr. Harley Odom and Nurse Mary, Vanderbilt 100 Oaks and The Adams Family of Dickson.