Obituary of Samuel Robert Elleard

Samuel Robert Elleard August 26, 1949-November 16, 2016 Samuel Robert Elleard, 67, of Gulf Beach, Florida, suddenly lost his life on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, due to a brief illness with cancer. After a brave, positive, and courageous fight, he has joined the Lord in Eternal Life to watch over his family. He leaves to cherish his love and the times they shared: his wife and best friend of 46 years, Deborah Kelly Elleard; his three children and their spouses, Samuel Clinton Elleard (Krystal), Robert William Elleard (Karen), and Tracy Elleard Lyons (Jesse); 9 grandchildren (soon to be 10); his sister Donna Elleard Harris (Jim) and many nephews, nieces, and wonderful friends. His parents Robert William Elleard and Lois Lowe Elleard preceded him in death. Sam was born in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and spent most of his childhood in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.His family moved to Mobile, Alabama, while he was in middle school and he claimed Mobile as his hometown. He was an athlete and played baseball and basketball at Davidson High School. He was on the All-County High School basketball team for two years and played on the Freshman Basketball Team at U.S.A. He shared these skills with his children by coaching and serving as Westside Park President and Cub Scouts Pack Leader. He attended The University of South Alabama and was a Sigma Chi Alpha, charter member of Sigma Chi, and Phi Mu Big Brother. He was a proud American and served his country in the U. S. Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He retired from Graybar Electric Company and Alpine Power Systems as a project engineer, after 42 years in the industry. Sam was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, and all water sports. He deeply enjoyed being a member of the Mobile Mystics Mardi Gras Association andAdmiral’s Crew, supporting the South Alabama Jags football program, and serving as Pensacola U.S.A. Alumni Association President. Sam never met a stranger, enjoyed the tunes of Jimmy Buffett, loved new adventures, and especially loved living in paradise. A private memorial service will be held. The family welcomes family and friends to a Celebration of Sam’s Life at an Open House on Friday, Nov. 25, between 2:00-5:00 p.m. Donations may be made in memory of Samuel R. Elleard to the South Alabama Jaguar Athletic Fund - GridIron Club (Athletic Development, 6001 USA Drive South, Suite 35, Mobile, AL 36688), the USA Mitchell Cancer Center (Office of MCI Development, 300 Alumni Circle, Mobile, AL 36688), Sigma Chi Foundation (1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201)or an association of your choice.