William H. Elam, Sr.

William H. Elam, Sr.

Cedar Rapids

William H. Elam, Sr., 89 of Cedar Rapids, passed away August 31, 2024. He was laid to rest in a private family ceremony with full military honors in the Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

William was born in Atwood, Tennessee on May 5, 1935, moved to Cedar Rapids at 2, spending most of his life in the Oakhill neighborhood. He was a gifted athlete, a Golden Gloves boxer, McKinley High School football star athlete and strategic coach. Bill was a Korean War Army veteran where he served as a Paratrooper. After returning from service he married Barbara Johnson and started a family. A few career highlights include Penick & Ford, Linn County Deputy Sheriff and parole officer. Most mornings, “WH” could be found having coffee with buddies solving the world's problems and was known to enjoy a little smooth TN whiskey or a cold beer.

William is survived by his children, Elaine Elam and William Elam; grandchildren, Hailey and Tanner Elam; great-grandchildren, Honey Elam and Naomi Thomas; siblings Sam Elam and Carla Elam-Floyd.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Captolar and Edward Mims, JD Elam (Elsie); brother Thomas Mims, sisters, Betty Slocum, Vastie Adams, Virginia Bell, Elizabeth LaCour, Ruth Johnson, Lorine Carter, Barbara Elam, and Richardean Tyler.

A very special thanks to The Villages at Marion and Moments Hospice Care for their care of William.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org in memory of William.

Please share a memory of William at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.