Euel Melvin McElroy

Euel Melvin McElroy, Sr. went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2025. He was born to Ulysses and Edria McElroy in rural DeKalb County, Alabama, just west of Fort Payne. Euel married his first wife, Jessie Thelma Wilks, only days before departing for basic training to join the European theatre of World War II. After the war, Euel continued to serve in Allied-occupied Germany before returning home, where he spent another seven years in the Alabama Army Reserves. He marched in the nation’s first Veterans Day parade.

Around the same time, Euel attended Howard College and started a career as a draftsman. He and Thelma also started their family. They would become a vibrant part of the storied Ruhama Baptist Church in Birmingham, where Euel served as a deacon until its closing.

Euel retired from engineering after 60 years in the business. He stayed busy, dedicating his time to his church, Huffman Baptist, and his many grandchildren. His wife Thelma passed away in 2012 after 67 years of marriage. In 2014, Euel married Betty Hollingsworth, a fellow member of Huffman Baptist. Their home became a beloved gathering place for their two families, now joined into a very large one.

Euel is survived by his second wife Betty Hollingsworth McElroy; his children Ruth Brucker (Alan, deceased), Beth Watters (Ruben), Sula Gillespie (Allen) and Jesse McElroy; his stepson Randy Hollingsworth (Kim); his sister Mary Lou Bell (Ernest, deceased); 10 grandchildren; five step grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Quitman Liner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother John Sydney McElroy; his first wife Thelma; their son Euel McElroy Jr. (Bonnie, deceased); and his stepdaughter Theresa Burton (Joey).

Funeral services are to be held at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel on April 28, with visitation at 12:30 p.m. and a service at 2 p.m. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Christ Health Center. Donations in memory of Euel may be made to the Gideons International to provide Bibles to those who need them.