Frank B. Elder

Frank B. Elder, 89, of Hwy 70 West, Glen Alpine, NC died Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at Willow Ridge Nursing Center in Rutherfordton, NC following a period of declining health. He was born May 9, 1917 in Madison County, NC, and was a son of the late William Gilbert and Maggie Henderson Gilbert. Frank was raised by his adoptive parents, the late Wallace Bruce Elder and Elizabeth Henderson Elder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maude Epley Elder; a son, Wallace Bruce "Butch" Elder; a daughter, Barbara Ann Harrington; and a granddaughter, Tracy Elder Armstrong. Frank was a member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church. He was the plant supervisor for 27 years at Breeden Poultry and Egg, and was a co-owner of Paw-Paw Patch Antiques. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Morganton, the Fraternal Order of Moose Lodge, and the Burke Sheriff’s Association. Frank was a former volunteer fireman with the Glen Alpine Fire Department, and he enjoyed boating and camping. He was a loving husband, and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Frank is survived by daughters, Drinda Burleson, Elaine Ross and husband, Mike, all of Morganton, Loretta Travis and husband, Robert of Claremont, and Kathy Lynn Ray and husband, Ronald of Glen Alpine; eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2006 at Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Gary Leonard officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 901 Hwy 70 West, Glen Alpine. Memorial contributions may be made to Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 5425 Snow Hill Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.