Bobby Elam

Bobby “Bob” Elam, of Beckley, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Friday April 26, 2019, in Charleston, WV. He was Born October 15, 1931 in Jenkins, KY, the son of William and Mae Elam. On July 9, 1956 he married his wife, Verna Elam, and had a long, prosperous and happy marriage of 41 years until the time of her death on March 12, 1998.Bobby was a graduate of Jenkins High school then served his country as a Sergeant the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he learned his trade as a fabricator and welder. After an honorable discharge at the end of the Korean War, Bobby began working with J.O. Lively as a welder fabricator blue print interpreter foreman and field foreman constructing coal mining preparation plants.  He then entered the coal mining industry as a UMWA miner in Herndon, WV then went to work for Eastern Associated Coal.  He worked at Stotesbury, Affinity and Wharton.  Bobby served as a Foreman and Superintendent for Eastern coal until his retirement in 1986. After retirement Bobby enjoyed flea marketing, gardening and cattle farming. He also coached West Beckley youth football and taught Sunday school.  Bobby served on the Raleigh County Commission on Aging and was a member of the Beckley American Legion post 32 and served many years on the Honor Guard Team.  Bobby was a member of the Church of God Family Worship Center where he loved to volunteer in many activities and greet on Sunday morning.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Elam; his parents, William and Mae Elam; and 1 brother and 3 sisters.

Bobby is survived by his loving daughter Donna Jokovich along with his devoted sons, Gregory Elam ESQ, Rodney Elam and Robert “Bobby” Elam; eight grandchildren: Sarah Jokovich, Major Amanda Derwae M.D., Ashley Smith M.D., Amber Cardoza PharmD, Andrew Elam, Robert Elam II, Katherine Elam, Elizabeth Elam; and five great-grandchildren Justin Jokovich, Ashley Jokovich, Katie Jokovich, Rachael Jokovich and Hudson Smith.

Like many of the people of his generation who were born before and lived through the Depression, he believed strongly that a conservative lifestyle and a willingness to work were the keys to a successful life. His passion was to share the gospel and salvation to as many people as possible.

A special thank you from his family is also extended to his granddaughter, Katherine Elam, who spent many hours assisting her grandfather with daily tasks and appointments. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations in his memory be made to Church of God Family Worship Center, 224 Pinewood Dr, Beckley, WV 25801.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Meltons Mortuary Beckley, WV. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Beckley.

The family will receive friends from 6 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.

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