Thomas Satterfield "Tom" Elder

Thomas "Tom" Satterfield Elder, Jr., of Burlington, NC, passed away on March 10 from complications following a stroke. Tom, a.k.a. "Papa Tom", was a devoted father and grandfather, and a friend to so many.

Tom was born on October 1, 1947, to Thomas Satterfield Elder, Sr. and Betty Elder (nee Rector) in High Point, NC. Tom grew up in Siler City, NC, and graduated from Jordan-Matthews High School. He married Beth Moon in 1969. Not long thereafter, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as an airman with radio and television technician duties.

Upon completing his commitment to the USAF, Tom returned to Siler City before relocating with his wife to Greensboro, NC, where he began working as a Photocopier Technician for Paul B. Williams (PBW) Company. After ten years at PBW, Tom started and operated two businesses, Elder Heating & Cooling and Elder Properties.

Tom loved motorcycles, eating good food, and playing pool. He was active in the Boy Scouts as a leader and accompanied scouts on two treks to Philmont Scout Reserve in NM. Tom was proud to have completed Wood Badge, the Scouts' national leadership course.

Tom became a widower in 2012 when Beth succumbed to Alzheimer's disease. Tom is also preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Andy Elder.

Tom is survived by his son, Tony Elder (wife Christy); two granddaughters, Pailyn and Savannah Elder; cousin Kenneth Steele; and best friend and companion Debra McCusker.

A memorial gathering will be held at Piedmont Cremation and Funeral Services in Graham, NC, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church (Religious Education), 408 W. Davis Street, Burlington, NC.