Obituary

Ted Carroll McElveen

November 6, 1947 - August 11, 2021

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

A decorated Vietnam War Veteran, loving husband and father, doting grandfather, and a faithful follower of Christ, Ted Carroll McElveen, age 73, saw the fulfillment of God’s plan for his life on this earth as he passed away peacefully with his wife, his sons, and his ordained grandson comforting him at his bedside during the minutes before he passed at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

Ted left this life as he lived in it, conscious of God, prepared for death, at peace, and surrounded by his loving family.

A hardworking man with many skills, Ted had his young life interrupted by being drafted into the Army and was soon sent to Vietnam. Ted left a young wife and two week old son to serve in the theatre of The Republic of Vietnam as an Army combat medic, receiving multiple commendations of which he never spoke for valor and heroism. After returning home, Ted spent many years in construction as a pipe fitter and sprinkler fitter, rising to the elected leadership position of Business Agent/Employee Advocate for the New Orleans Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669. A trip to the Southshore was never complete without him recounting the days which he proudly spent as a part of the construction of the New Orleans Superdome. Ted was also an accomplished HVAC authority as well as a new home contractor, and he had every skill in between. Ted was a master woodworker and a talented artist and draftsman. He also took immense pride in his beautifully unique handwriting.

Ted was a 1965 graduate of Franklinton High School and enjoyed spending time with his classmates every opportunity he had. During high school Ted followed his brothers, Paul and Russell, as members of Demon Football, and was proud to see his two sons and five grandsons follow him on the field. Ted developed a love for sports, which he poured in his children and grandchildren. Ted coached Franklinton Dixie Youth Baseball in the 1970s and 80s and enjoyed the many years he got to watch his grandsons play ball on those same fields. As baseball season passed on to football season, he spent most Friday nights watching his children and grandchildren play and cheer for Franklinton High School and Bowling Green School. Even in his retirement, Ted poured his love for sports into the family sporting goods store McElveen’s Gameday Sports, helping many young athletes in the community find just the right uniform and equipment they would need to play the sports he loved.

A servant of Jesus Christ, Ted taught Sunday School for many years, served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church, and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Ted was lead voice for years with the “Steadfast Bluegrass Gospel Band” along with his sons and friends Ike Singleton, Danny Harris, and the late Kyle Lewis. His proudest moments as a father and grandfather were knowing that his family members had each accepted Jesus as their Savior. Sundays were a special day, spent worshipping together and having lunch together, most happily when the family circle was full and even moreso when it was filled with both family and friends.

Poppa, as he was most affectionately known, leaves behind his cherished wife of 54 years, Kathy McElveen; two well-loved sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery & Tonia McElveen and Stephen & Kelly McElveen, all of Franklinton. Six adored grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law: Major McElveen, Mack & Haley McElveen, Crockett McElveen, Gentry McElveen, Kennedy McElveen, and Maverick McElveen. Brothers, sister, and their spouses: Randy & Debbie McElveen, Lynette & Kenny Hodges, Ronald McElveen, and Carolyn McElveen; a multitude of dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and, last but not least, his three faithful canine companions, Mikey, Molly, and Shadow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucious & Mildred McElveen; his stepmother Ophelia McElveen; brothers and sister-in-law Paul & Barbara McElveen, Russell McElveen & Ricky Daryl McElveen; his father- and mother-in-law, Sherwood & Cora Lee McDaniel; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Odie & Debbie McDaniel.

A remembrance of a life well-lived and well-loved life will be held on Saturday, August 14th at Crain Funeral Home with visitation from 1 pm until 5 pm with a service at 5 pm in the funeral home chapel officiated by his grandsons Rev. Mack McElveen and Major McElveen. Burial with military honors will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Major McElveen, Mack McElveen, Crockett McElveen, Gentry McElveen, Kennedy McElveen, Maverick McElveen, Jeremy Richardson, and Alex Kennedy.

The family is so grateful for the many friends and family who prayed for Ted during his illness; the staff and church family of First Baptist Church for their love and support; and, the medical team at St. Tammany Parish Hospital for the excellent care he received and the loving kindness and patient compassion shown to his loved ones.