Kenneth J. Elder

Kenneth Jacques Elder

Ken was born on September 19, 1938in Andalusia, Alabama.  His mother was Cbell Elder and father, Emmett O. Elder.  Ken passed away on November 4, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida.  At the time of his passing Ken was being cared for in the Earl B. Hadlow Center For Caring.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marilyn Norton Elder; 3 stepchildren, Patricia Parrish Wright (Greg), James H. Parrish, III (Landra) and Bradley Norton Parrish (Teresa); 6 grandchildren; 1 son, Gregory and numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his son, Kenny (Diane).

Even though Ken was born in Andalusia, he was raised in the Kingsley Lake area.  He graduated from Bradford High School where he was an outstanding football and track athlete.  While in high school, he worked as a lifeguard at Strickland’s Landing.  Ken and Marilyn always loved Kingsley Lake.  That’s where they met.  Marilyn was 14 and Ken was 18.  Ken went on to play football at Wofford College.  While at Wofford, he was also an outstanding scholarship football player.

After completing college, Ken lived and worked in Jacksonville in the food industry, and where he raised his family.  Ken accepted Christ much later in life than many, but never doubt for a minute----he was a very sincere student and lover of God’s word and Jesus Christ himself.  He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being, and let all who knew him, know it.

In lieu of flowers, Ken requested that any acts of kindness be made as a memorial to Deermeadows Church, in his memory.

He will be DEEPLY missed by his wife, who loved him with ALL her heart, his family, his friends, members of his church, and all the Food Service Committee.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.  NEVER let a day go by without telling your husband/wife how much you love them, and appreciate all they do for you and others, because you may not have another chance.