John Franklin Elam, 78, of Sugar Grove, WV, and formerly of Richmond, VA, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016 at University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA.

He was born February 2, 1938 in Petersburg, VA and was the son of the late Benjamin Elam and Virginia Edwards Dawson.

John was a Veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force, and had worked as a journeyman press operator for Reynolds Metals Company in Richmond.

He is survived by –

His former wife and mother of his children –

Peggy Elam of Chester, VA

Two sons –

Robert Elam (& his wife, Diane) of Chester, VA

John D. Elam (& his companion, Valerie Jones) of Sugar Grove, WV

One daughter –

Charity Elam of Petersburg, VA

Five grandchildren –

Amber Harger (& her husband, Jeremy) of Chesterfield, VA

Dylan Elam of Chesterfield, VA

Brittanie Cole of Colonial Heights, VA

Wynnter Elam of Petersburg, VA
Madison Simpson of Sugar Grove, WV

Three great-grandchildren –

Leah Harger

Ellie Harger

Evelyn Harger

And a special friend –

Gary Sheffer of Sugar Grove, WV

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter.

His body was cremated and all services will be private.