Joel Neely Elrod Jr.

Joel Neely Elrod Jr. March 21, 1924 June 19, 2017 GRIFFIN, Ga. - Mr. Joel Neely Elrod, Jr., age 93, passed away on June 19, 2017, in Brightmoor Nursing Center. Mr. Elrod was born on March 21, 1924, in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Joel Neely Elrod and Mary Frances Sowell Elrod. He was also preceded in death by his son, Joel David Elrod. He was a graduate of North Georgia Military College and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years as a letter carrier. Mr. Elrod was married to Lorene Steele Elrod, his childhood sweetheart, for 68 years. They were active members of Southside Baptist Church, serving in many areas until recent health issues slowed them down. He also enjoyed working in his garden, tending his grapevines and woodworking. He was a man of great faith, humble spirit and servant's heart. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kaye and Carroll Triplett of Lexington, SC; daughter-in-law and her husband, Cindy Elrod Shoemaker and Jerry Shoemaker of Griffin; grandchildren, Daniel and Rebecca Triplett of Gilbert, SC, Susie and Nicky Smith of Lexington, SC, Natalie and Chris Spangler of Griffin, Greg and Brittany Elrod of Charleston, SC, Lydia and Todd Lyon of Macon, GA; ten great-grandchildren, Joseph, Kiley, Landon, Stephanie, David, Avery, Evie Kate, Tyler, Sophia and Addilyn; a sister, Betty Leverette of Griffin; nieces, Sherry Thrall and Everett, Joyce Adams and Louis; nephew, Ben Leverette; and special cousin, Beautye Tyus. The family would also like to extend special thanks to loving caregivers Wanda Driver, Jeanette White and Andrea Matthews. A visitation for Mr. Joel Elrod will be on Friday, June 23, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in Oak Hill Cemetery with Dr. Mark Seller's officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Southside Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Elrod. Please join the family and friends in honoring the life of Joel Neely Elrod, Jr., by visiting www.conner - westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Rd., Griffin is in charge of the arrangements.