Houston Ervin Elders, 71, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2011.

Born in Swain, he was the son of the late Thurman Elders and Alta Davis Elders. He retired from Nantahala Power and Light after 30 years as a line foreman. He loved gardening, digging ginseng, bear hunting, fishing and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his Mountain Memories Cabin. Houston was a member of Watauga Baptist Church. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Edith Sanders Elders; daughter, Tonda Elders Woodard and granddaughter, Summer Woodard of Franklin; six brothers and sisters, Emma Jean Dills of Dallas, NC, Macy Dills of Gastonia, NC, Barbara Anderson of Franklin, Ralph Elders of Dallas, NC, Sylvester Elders of Franklin and Gary Elders of Franklin; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 7, at Watauga Baptist Church. Rev. David Lee Williams, Rev. Roy Lowe and Rev. Wesley Price will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 6 at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Richard McWilliams, Alvin Johnson, Roy McClure, Willard Barrett, George Barrett, Junior Cabe and LC Browning.

Former employees of Nantahala Power and Light will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to Watauga Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or Angel Hospice General Fund.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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