William Harry McElwee

On May 27, 2016, at his home in Vestavia Hills, William Harry McElwee died peacefully at the age of 94. Harry was born in Ragland, Alabama to Lillian Gardner McElwee and George Sharp McElwee. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dora Ellen Keener McElwee; and his sisters, Hazel George McElwee and Ruth McElwee Yates. Harry professed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age and has served Him faithfully since that time. Harry grew up in Gadsden, Alabama and graduated from Gadsden High School and Gadsden Business College. He served his country proudly during World War II as a T5 (Sergeant) in General Patton’s Third Army, 949th Field Artillery Battalion and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the War, he returned to Gadsden and married the love of his life, Dora, on June 12, 1948. He was a deacon and active member of Twelfth Street Baptist Church until moving to Birmingham in 1964 and uniting with the church family at Shades Mountain Baptist. He served his church as a deacon and choir member and held various leadership positions up until his death. Harry was a long-time employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield, managing Part B Medicare for many years and retiring as a Hearing Officer. He was an active member of the Blue Cross Trailblazers. Always a Southern gentleman, Harry will be remembered for sharing songs, smiles, hugs and encouraging words and for his commitment to accuracy, excellence and service to others. Harry was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, William David McElwee of Vestavia Hills, Susan McElwee Lambert (Don) of Florence, Stephen Brian McElwee (Pam) of Gadsden, and Ellen McElwee Lupinacci (Tim) of Vestavia Hills; his grandchildren, Christopher Blake Lambert (Erin) and Samuel Keener McElwee (Shannon) of Vestavia Hills, John Morgan McElwee (Ariel) of Gadsden, Laura Ellen Lambert Teal (Joshua) of Austin, Texas and Lisa Kathryn Lupinacci of Vestavia Hills; his great-granddaughter, Meagan Elizabeth Lambert of Vestavia Hills; his niece, Donna Johnson Schmid (Paul) of Dunwoody, Georgia; his nephew, Bill Pevsner of Gadsden and his great-nieces, great-nephews and treasured friends. Harry’s family would like to express gratitude for exemplary care to Doctors James Gewin and Richard Lyerly, Comfort Care Home Health and Hospice and the caregivers and staff of Home Instead, Inc. A funeral service in celebration of Harry’s life will be held Tuesday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills, with visitation one hour prior. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missions or building programs of Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Southern Heritage directing.