James Sealy Elder , September 12, 1931 — March 20, 2019

James “Rock” Elder, a resident of Dawson, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, surrounded by family. He was 87. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 23rd, 11 AM, at Calvary Baptist Church in Dawson with visitation beginning at 10 AM.

Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Dawson. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gideons International or to Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 347, Dawson, Georgia 39842. Mr. Elder was born September 12, 1931, in Carnegie, Georgia, and spent his early years in Randolph County until he joined the U. S. Army in 1950 where he served a brief period in Korea.

While serving in Korea, he was injured and received a Purple Heart. After returning home, he married Junia Barfield in November 1954, and they were married for 45 years. He worked as a Civil Engineer for the Georgia Department of Transportation until he retired in 1984.

After retirement, he began Construction Engineers, Inc. which he owned and operated for 33 years. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dawson, where he served many years as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and treasurer, and received the honor of Deacon Emeritus in 2014. He was also an active member of Gideons International.

He worked hard and loved his family. His nickname “Rock” was reflective of both his quiet resolve and reliability. Mr. Elder is proceeded in death by his wife, Junia Elder; son, James T. Elder; son-in-law, Gene Henson; brothers, Sam Elder, William Elder and John T. Elder; and sister, Emma Sue St. Denis.

Survivors include daughters, Joyce Henson of Watkinsville and Judy Gay (Tim) of Headland, Alabama; grandchildren, Andrew Henson (Mickel) of Seattle, Washington, Jamie Henson (Patricia) of New York City, New York, Wes Gay (Cassie) of Buford, Georgia and Lindsey Wells (Wesley) of Headland, Alabama; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Ruth Jackson of Albany, Patsy Ann Ingram (Billy) of Junction City, Margaret Jackson of Carrollton and Leonard Elder (Margot) of Chula Vista, California; and several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to: Gideons International P. O. Box 140800, Nashville TN 37214 Web: www2.

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