Lester Earl Elks
Feb. 5, 2016

Mr. Lester Earl Elks, 90, departed this world for heaven on Friday, February 5, 2016.

The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 10th at 1:30 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Skipper McLawhorn. Burial will follow in the Pinewood Memorial Park with military honors.

Mr. Elks, son of the late Daniel David and Amy Ham Elks, was a native and lifelong resident of the Grimesland Community. Lester joined the Navy, serving in WWII aboard the cruiser, USS Wilkes-Barre, during several major campaigns including the Philippines, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. At war’s end, he returned home to his North Carolina roots to begin a life of farming. A man of renowned integrity, he served his community in many ways including the Grimesland Volunteer Fire Department, Pitt County School Board and various fundraisers. As a member of Proctor Memorial Christian Church for over seven decades, he served as a deacon, board member and choir member.

Year after year, Lester’s garden was one to be admired. It gave him great pleasure to share his bounty with family and friends. He was also known for his creative inventions that simplified the life he loved. Although his accomplishments were many, he would always say that his greatest was his family and treasure of friends.  All will miss his smile, hugs and collection of stories.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Elks and his sisters, Janie Brame, Dallas Boyd and Evelyn Edwards and a great-grandson, Beau Stanley.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life for over 72 years, Dorothy Woolard Elks.

He is also survived by: a son, Larry G. Elks and wife, Ricki of Jackson, Tennessee; and a daughter, Terry Elks Miller and husband, Gary of Greenville; grandchildren, Ryan Elks, Julie Secura and husband, Jay, Kelly Cannon and husband, Brian, Joshua Letchworth and wife, Niki, Jennifer Stanley and husband, Parham, Julie Howard and husband, Nathan, Renee Bassham and husband, Matt, Leigh Anna Veal and husband, Justin, and Joshua Pruett and wife, Rose; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Preston, Carter, Ryder, Miller, Maddux, Kayla, Connor, Abigail, Rylee, Aiyana, Hannah, Zach, Christian, Annaleigh, Jordan, Graci, Catalina, Ashton, Aden and one on the way, Violet Rose; sister, Doris Moore of Charlotte; and brother, C.S. Elks and wife, Nellie of Chocowinity.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 – 8 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund, 3154 Stanley Road, Greenville, NC  27858 or Proctor Memorial Christian Church, P.O. Box 159, Grimesland, NC 27837.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.