Jerry Donald Elam

Jerry Donald Elam, age 83, of Duncanville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He was born the middle child of seven on August 28, 1942, in rural Bibb County. Jerry lost his father young and always talked of helping his mother and siblings. He often reminisced about growing up as a sharecropper’s son, even though they were poor, they had each other.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Rae Elam; his sons, Donald and Dennis Elam; his foster daughter, Deborah Cash; and foster granddaughter, Teresa Lynn Cash. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Janice Steele Elam of Duncanville; his sons, Dale Elam (Theresa) of Northport, and David Elam (Wendy) of Cottondale; daughter, Dawne Taylor (Terry) of Cottondale; sisters, Kay Davis (Art) of Fayetteville, AR, Sarah Paul (Larry) of Maryville, TN, and Peggy Junkin (James) of Gordo: brothers, Amos Elam (GB) of Gardendale, Joe Elam (Jan) of Duncanville, and Dan Elam (Marilyn) of Auburn; daughter-in-law, Doris Golden of Tuscaloosa; grandchildren, Nick Elam (Sarah), Katelyn Brooks (Paul), Danielle Daniels (Derek), Hayley Elam, Hannah Golden, and Trey Cash; four great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family was the most important thing to him, and he worked hard to provide for his family. Jerry was a foreman at Central Foundry until 1974. From there he worked for 30 years at Empire Coke Company till its closure in 2004. He helped establish Mitchell Water System and worked many years on the side expanding water service to the Duncanville area. He was also a familiar face at Jackson’s Store, where he would stock on his days off.

In his off time, he loved riding around the local national forest with his favorite riding buddy, Gabby. He always said it was his place of worship. Jerry enjoyed traveling as well, to Bellingrath Gardens and Cades Cove being some of his favorite places to visit. He was also an avid genealogist and history buff, and enjoyed visiting historical sites throughout the state, even helping to complete a 67-county scrapbook with his daughter. Jerry was also a lover of vintage cars as well as small cars, which led to an excess of vehicle from time to time.

Services for Jerry will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Church in Centreville. He will be in-state one hour prior to his service, with Mack Dunkin officiating. Burial to follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Jerry’s pallbearers will be Andy Howard, Craig Bradley, Nick Elam, Paul Brooks, Jamie Earnest, and Mike Dunkin. Honorary pallbearers are employees of Central Foundry, Empire Coke Company, and Mitchell Water System.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Fund: 2827 Ingate Pass Centreville, AL 35042. Charter Funeral Home of Calera entrusted with his services.