John Edward McElrath
February 6, 1966 ~ August 14, 2004
Resided in:
Canton, NC
John Edward McElrath, 38, of 49 Iris Lane, Canton, was called home Saturday, August 14, 2004.
Mr. McElrath was born in Buncombe County and worked in the hospitality industry as a hotel manager, restaurant cook, and restaurant management. At the time of his death he was employed at the Pisgah Inn. He held a Black Belt in Karate and was a member of Reeves Chapel United Methodist Church.
Surviving are his parents, James and Ann Goss of Candler; his fiancee Faith Ann Aubury of Canton; one sister, Kathy Ballard and her husband Terry of Asheville and one brother, Steven Hendrix and his wife Debbie of Wilmington.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Montmorenci United Methodist Church with the Rev. Daniel J. Lyons officiating. His family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service and and at other times will be at the home of his sister, 120 Vermont Avenue, Asheville.
A scholarship fund will be established in his name at the Bank of Asheville.
Memorials may be made to the Asheville Animal Shelter and Humane Services, 72 Lee's Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting with the arrangements.
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My deepest sympathy to John’s family and friends.He was a special friend to all who knew him.
Like a son, John grew up with our family and will be missed.
Jimmy and Martha Hungerford
I am truly sorry that we did not know more about what John was experiencing. I am so sad for the loss of our hospitality friend and pray for strength for his family and Faith Ann. May God Bless you all.
My deepest sympathy to John’s family. I am glad to have known John and send my condolences to the family.
Our staff is saddened for this loss. John was a kind person and will be missed by many. Our staff sends prayers to the family for strength. We were glad to work with John, he touched many people while he was with us.
My prayers go out to the family. May the Lord be with you and help you through this time of need. Classmate, class of ’84
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Classmate, AHS Class of 1984
It’s been one year this weekend since you left us so suddenly. I love and miss you, my precious brother. Rest in peace in the arms of our Saviour.
Thanks be to my Lord for using John to touch apart my life .My prayers are with the family.
I would like to thank OUR LORD JESUS for the time we were able to share with my brother JOHNNY MAC he was & still remains a great blessing to me & many others as his love & memories will continue on !! We will see you again on that glorious day my brother !!! To the family are our hopes prayer & love in JESUS NAME !!! amen.
Our deepest sympathy to John’s family. He was a special friend to
us and will have a special place in
our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I was very saddened to learn of John’s death. He and Kathy were good friends of mine in high school.
My heart goes out to Kathy and her family.
Our deepest sympathy to John’s family and friends.He was a special person.
John, until we see you again our hearts are breaking and we miss you so much. Our precious brother, we love you.
John was always smiling no matter what and hopefully his lesson of not worrying about the small stuff of life will remain with us all. My deepest thanks for all who have remembered and memorialized my brother.
John was my brother-in-law but I loved him like a brother. Here is the poem I read at his memorial:
Weep not for me
now that I have passed.
Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy
not just the recent tears.
Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.
Hold fast to the love that we shared.
Be happy with the time we spent together
and being anew.
For I am not really gone,
I am closer than ever before.
As the morning sun rises
and throughout the busy day…I am with you.
Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon
and we watch the day turn into night…I am here.
You may feel a faint breeze stir round your head, while you slumber
as I gently kiss your forehead, ‘Good night.’
The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky
help me watch over you and keep you from harm.
I am the wind in the trees
and the song of a bird.
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious rainbow after the storm.
I am morning dew
and freshly-fallen snow.
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play.
I am a smile on a stranger’s face
a gentle touch
a warm embrace.
Listen to the wind for my message of love.
Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.
Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.
Open your heart to know…I am not gone.
Reach deep into your soul…You will find me.
I am here.
Have no fear.
I am with you,
Always.
I will miss you dearly until we meet again John. Thanks to your generous gift, you will still walk among us.
Love, Debbie
I worked with John at McGuffeys many years ago. I was very sorry to hear of this. My condolences to the family…
David, Cathy, Zack and Eli