Raymond Allison Elrod, Sr.

Raymond Allison Elrod, Sr., of Dalton, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on July 10th, 2023 at Hospice of Chattanooga while surrounded by family.

Ray was born on July 31, 1937 in Ringgold, Georgia to the late Haney Seaborn Elrod and Lois Frost Elrod. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Lane Ford, his brother, Richard ”Dick” Leroy Elrod and his son, Raymond “Rusty” Allison Elrod, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Susan Petty Elrod of Dalton; son Michael W. Elrod and wife Tara of Rocky Face; son David P. Elrod and wife Elizabeth of Milton; and son Philip Antony “Tony” Elrod and wife Wendy of Rocky Face. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Tripp, Justin, Monica, Rebecca, Harrison, Alexander, Zachary, Sara Kate and Will.

Ray attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 1959 and did graduate work there at the Grady School of Journalism. Ray was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, serving as High Alpha (President) his Senior year.

Ray started his career in Journalism in Anderson, South Carolina at the Anderson Independent Newspaper. A year later, Ray and Family moved to Dalton, Georgia to accept a position in the advertising department at the Dalton Newspaper. Following his short newspaper career, he was active in Dalton’s textile industry for 60+ years as an entrepreneur and business owner.

Ray’s true passion was serving the citizens of Dalton on the City Council for 12 years and then serving as Mayor for 8 years (2000 - 2008). He also served, over the years, in a multitude of organizations, including the Jaycees, Dalton Elks Lodge, Dalton Shrine Club, Dalton Masonic Temple and Leadership Dalton.

Ray was an avid traveler throughout the years with his family and enjoyed learning about different countries and cultures, especially in conjunction with Dalton’s Sister City program with Dilbeek, Belgium.

He leaves behind a legacy as a loving family Patriarch, an entrepreneur, a leader and a friend to many.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 16 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Dalton. A service to celebrate and honor his life will be held immediately following visitation. A private interment will be held at West Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.