Forrest “Butch” W. Elam, of The Villages, FL, passed away Thursday, December 27th, at home with family at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Mexico, MO on October 23rd, 1947. After graduating from Sanford Brown Business College in 1969, Butch was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany until 1971. Upon honorable discharge, he began a sales career primarily in the automotive industry, before retiring in 2009.
Butch and his wife JoEllen came to The Villages from O’Fallon, MO in 2016. He was active in water aerobics, shuffleboard, Martini Mondays, and his true passion, karaoke singing at many locations. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Cardinals Nation Club.
He is survived by wife JoEllen, son Eric (Shawna), and granddaughter McKinley. He was predeceased by father Harry G. Elam, mother Margaret L. (Dorn) Bishop and sister Pamela Elam.
Friday January 11th, services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church with 10 a.m. greeting, 11 a.m. service, followed by interment at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hope Lutheran Church, Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation or Cornerstone Hospice are encouraged.
