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John David “Dave” McElroy of Clayton, North Carolina, died on July 4, 2015 at the age of 65, but his big heart, generosity, and trademark “Bulldoggedness” will not be forgotten. He was born on March 13, 1950 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the oldest son of John Everett “Bart” McElroy and Bettye Corum McElroy, who preceded him in death. Affectionately known as Main Man or Mac by family and many friends, he was a general contractor by trade, a lover of Broadway musicals, chick flicks, and a connoisseur of most things alcoholic, but his heart belonged to golf and University of Memphis Basketball. He was an avid golfer. He loved to play, watch and talk about golf to the sometimes dismay of his wife of 44 years, Sharon L. McElroy. He despised cucumbers, collard greens, weeds in his yard, close minded loudmouths, rap music, horror movies, rainy Saturday mornings, and any show on TLC. But Dave had many loves too. He loved his wife, Sharon, who he married on June 4, 1971. They met at a YoungLife party in 1967. She was 15 years old and he was 17. He always told her she was his soulmate and best friend. Dave dearly loved his children, Geoffrey “Geoff” David McElroy of Austin, Texas, Kaitlyn “Katie” McElroy Wright and his son in law, Elliot Allen Wright of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; as well as his brother, Billy Ray McElroy (Becky Hightower McElroy) of Snellville, Georgia; and sister, Paula McElroy Gillilan (Pat Gillilan) of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
He loved Sea Breezes, Bloody Mary’s, Pomegranate Martinis, crab legs, crazy tacos with margaritas, Pinot Grigio, cooking on his Big Green Egg, napping in his recliner, the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson not Jay Leno, David Letterman, Tiger Woods even in disgrace, peanut M&Ms with beer, all televised golf tournaments, the beach, Hilton Head, the Dirty Dozen, the Beatles and Jackson Browne, Audible books, Les Miz, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve, but he especially loved The United Methodist Church and his church families from Northbrook, Cannon, and Horne. Dave had a strong faith in which he never waivered; in God, God’s love for him through His son Jesus Christ, and his salvation through God’s grace. He believed and lived Jeremiah 29:11. Dave loved leading and being involved in The study of the Bible. In 1988 Dave and Sharon were asked to participate in the first year of a new UMC Bible study. Dave was a facilitator of this study many times over the next 28 years. Ten years ago he began a men’s Saturday morning Bible study group at Cannon Church in Snellville, GA which is still going strong. At the time of his death he was a member of Horne Memorial UMC in Clayton, NC where he enjoyed his Sunday School class and the United Methodist Men. He also had strong beliefs and opinions. Every fall he was sure that the Tigers could be contenders for the NCAA championship, that he was a great driver, that steak should be medium rare, Miracle Whip not mayo, bbq should be dry rubbed, that many life lessons could be learned from playing golf, people should work hard until the job is done, then play just as hard.
Dave was known for his telling and enjoyment of a good story or joke and sometime raunchy sense of humor. A good time for him consisted of his friends swapping golf tales or work anecdotes over one of his favorite drinks sitting at the 19th hole. Dave’s love for building and construction began at an early age when he worked part time for his dad as a laborer and carpenters helper at Allen and O’Hara while in high school and college. After completing his degree at Memphis State University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, he accepted a a full time job with that same company. In 1980, Dave began his career with Hardin Construction Company which spanned 22 years. In 2002, he left Hardin and began working for United Forming. Dave finished his days as a contractor with Engineered Construction. The one disappointment in Dave’s career was that he never got to build a high rise in New York City. In September, 2014, Dave was no longer able to work due to complications from treatment for neuroendocrine cancer which was the turning point in his decline.
A heartfelt thanks to many friends all over the country who have called, visited and prayed. Dave watched a lifetime of kindness on his part be repaid a thousand fold over the last year. He will be greatly missed by those friends and his family. There will be a visitation Friday July 17 at 3:00 PM at W.R. Cannon United Methodist 2424 Webb Gin House Rd, Snellville, GA with a Life Celebration Memorial at 4:00 P.M. A reception will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Cannon Church in Snellville, Ga for support of the Cherub Cottage or Horne Memorial United Methodist Men in Clayton, NC.
He always said he had a wonderful life and he will be greatly missed.
Heather says
Dave was a special person and will be missed by those who knew and loved him. What a great tribute to a dear person. Sharon, Geoff & Katie, you have lots of people praying for you and hurting for the loss of your husband, father & friend.
Carla says
A beautiful memorial, a lovely man. Great guy. He will be missed. Hugs and love to Sharon, Geoff and Katie.
Dana and Jim Banks says
What a wonderful tribute to Dave. Yes indeed he will be missed! Jimmy sure enjoyed playing golf with Dave as they did most Saturday mornings. Dave had a wonderful personality that was a rare find. The one thing that stands out to both Jimmy and myself was his faith! He never waivered. True to the end!
Sharon… We are praying for you and your family! May you all find peace and comfort! Jimmy and I are just so sorry for your loss! Love you dear friend!
Kerry Rigg says
I will definitely miss my golfing partner. We were able to win a few times. He was easy to get along with and share stories about almost anything. A very good man was taken way too early but I know he touched many lives. Rest inn peace….
Donnie & Veleta says
What a wonderful tribute to a great man! Made us smile to read all of this and fondly remember Dave. We will certainly miss his sense of humor, his love for the Lord, and his smile. Praying for all of you as you celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.
Crystal says
Truly a magnificent man…touched so many people…my love to Sharon, Geoff and Katie…he will be missed…
Bobbi Dangar says
Wonderful synopsis of a wonderful life! My prayers are with you, Sharon, and with your children and extended family. I have learned to love you and Dave through my sister. Praying for God’s strength and loving comfort.
Susie Giyton-Quezada says
This memorial is as beautiful as he lived and shared his life. My prayers are with you Sharron, Geoff and Katie. Smiling and tears at the same time. Sending my love.
Ms.Susie Guyton-Quezada
Teresa Paschal Fortner says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was a wonderful man and a great Sunday School teacher. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Paula Everett-Truppi says
Such a special man and wonderful example of God’s love. Prayers for you Sharon and the children. Thank you for this wonderful glimpse and reminder of Dave’s life.
Lynn and Al says
What a wonderful tribute to Dave. We have so many great memories of our time together in Milwaukee and we will never forget Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and the family.
Carolyn & Lamar Blount says
What a beautiful memorial message! And it fit Dave to a “tee.” We have such sweet memories of you and Dave at Northbrook, in our SS class, in UMW, at VBS, at Disciple that first year! We are so thankful for you both and though we didn’t see you often through the years, we consider you longtime, faithful friends! We will miss Dave and will pray for you and your family as you learn to live life without him. Much love!
Blaine Ashburn says
Dave was a source of strength for me during a few difficult years that he most certainly did not realize, and after reading this wonderful tribute, I now know why- he and I are very much the alike! God’s strength and peace to Sharon and the children…Blaine Ashburn
czirkle says
Sharon…well said.
Dave…well lived.
Victor Schingle says
I loved Mac and used to love to play bridge with him.He was one of the few people who knew how to keep score,so he was undefeated according to his score.I’ll also drink a few BMs and beers in his honor.
Rick Chambers says
great Memorial for a great man!
DeColores Dave, I’ll see you again someday!
My prayers are with the family, we have lost a dear friend
Mary Ann Horton says
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Dave’s life. What a wonderful testimony to a well lived life and the joy he brought to many. I write this with tears coming down my face. Hugs to all of you. Mary Ann
Chris & Anita Price/Memphis says
What a beautiful tribute to such a special man loved by so many.
May you be lifted up in the times ahead. Love to you.
Bill & Mittie Sue Brewer says
Sharon:
What a tribute to and amazing man. We will certainly miss seeing his face during worship and especially at UMM when the Brew Crew was responsible for breakfast.
Thinking of you and the children during this time.
Bill & Mittie Sue Brewer
Memrie says
I had not seen Dave in years. We served for 4 years together in the Cannon United Meodist Church discipleship program and lost touch when they moved to NC. Through these years I was privileged and honored to know Dave and Sharon.
Oh Dave! You will be missed tremendously. What a good man! My prayers of comfort are with Sharon, Geoff and Katie. I adore this sweet family and have no doubt Dave is golfing with our precious Heavenly Father.
Bob Dunn says
Dave was a great friend and touched all that knew him. We all will have a smile and chuckle when we think of time spent with him and his many “adventures”. He will be truly missed. Bobby D.
Will and Meghan Simon says
Such a wonderful tribute to a great man. Lots of love to the McElroy family.
David Burroughs says
So sorry to here about Dave’s passing. Wish I had know about the service, I certainly would have been there. I respected Dave very much, He was great to work with and I enjoyed all our Golf outings.
Mike Jackson says
Dave was one of the kindest men I have ever known, period.
I am ashamed that I have been so out of touch the last few years that I have just discovereed this tonight, but I know that where Dave is now he can see what’s in my heart and knows how much I respected and admired him.
There aren’t many Daves in this world and I feel lucky to have known him.
mary ellen corum smothers says
David was a special nephew to me, last time I saw him was at the funeral of my sister Bettye his mother and sharron and him were so sweet to me, my love and prayers go to paula and billy as I love them very much also, and to Sharon, Geoff and Katie, I only found out today oct 30 2017 an I am so sad I did not know of his passing til now, remembering all of you in my prayers til I am called to be with the good lord myself, love you all
Paula M Gillilan says
I had a need to visit the Georgia cremation site today for someone to get some information. Our family was so pleased with this company at a time of great suffering at the loss of my big brother Dave. I took a few minutes to read over what Sharon had written about my brother which brought back many memories, saw some of myself in his traits and shed a few tears for him and Sharon. Both are in heaven now and are missed here by me and others. My love and memories for both of you is present in my life every day.