Larry Elam, 76, of Kindley Street, Lexington, NC, departed his earthly body and gained his wings on November 10, 2020.

Private funeral service will be Saturday at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel.

He was born October 11, 1944 in Lincolnton County, GA to John Jr. and Lois Bohler Elam.He received his education in Lincoln County Schools."Sam," as he was affectingly called by his family, relocated to Lexington, NC when he was in his early twenties.He was an outstanding baseball player and played for many years in several local leagues in and around Lincolnton and Augusta, GA. His welcoming and gentle spirit always made it a joy to be in his presence, even when he was trash-talking and bragging on his beloved Washington Redskins. He retired from Lexington Furniture Industries Plant 2 after 26 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Jenkins, Obie and Major Elam and one sister, Margaret Ellis.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 51 years, Cecelia Knotts Elam; a special nephew who was reared as a son, Anthony (Tina) Zellars; brothers: Morris (Willie Ruth) Elam and Rickey (Barbara) Elam, both of Lexington, NC, Tracy (Lisa) Elam of Augusta, GA and Johnny Elam, III of Atlanta, GA; sisters: LeVurn Elam and Alma Crite of Atlanta, GA and Jennifer Elam Walker of Lincolnton, GA; brothers-in-law: Hollis Clodfelter, Jr. of Lexington, NC, Aven-Dale (Ruth) Clodfelter of Salisbury, NC, Steve Clodfelter of Anson County, NC and Bruce Mickens of Grand Rapids, MI; sisters-in-law: Benita White and Gwen Elam of Lexington, NC, Diane Mickens of Grand Rapids, MI, Brenda Elam of Augusta, GA and Amy Elam of Warrenton, GA; aunts, Mary Wyatt of Atlanta, GA and Emma Bennett of Lexington, NC; a special niece, Patrice White and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.