James Douglas McElrath, Sr., age 81, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Rainey Hospice House. Born June 8, 1934, in Anderson, SC, he was the son of the late Green Berry McElrath and the late Pearl Pauline Whitt McElrath. James honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, he worked at Owens Corning Fiberglass for over 35 years where he retired. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who also enjoyed NASCAR and was a devout Dale Earnhardt fan. He is survived by his sons, James D. McElrath, Jr. of Belton, SC, Charles Hoyt McElrath (Marla) of Anderson, SC, Andrew Marshall McElrath of Starr, SC; daughters, Dianne Evans (Eddie), Marie McElrath and Charlene Vaughn (Brendan) all of Starr, SC; a brother, John Robert McElrath of Belton, SC; grandchildren, Brenda Payne, Tina Carroll, April Greenway, Crystal Teate, Jenna Johnson, Ashley McElrath, Chase McElrath, Carla Cullen, Kevin Lloyd, and Audree Vaughn; and great-grandchildren, Cody, Savannah, Blake, Sydney, Courtney, Emily, Trey, Dale, Michael, Tyler, Hagen, Cameron, McKenzie, Shyann, Knox, Mason and Riley Grace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia Allean Smith McElrath; a grandson, Douglas Dale Moore; a great-grandson Bradley Tucker; two brothers and two sisters. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Reverend Sam Duncan and Reverend Fred Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow at South Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will be at the home of his daughter, Dianne Evans, 500 McElrath Road, Starr, SC 29684. They will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Friday, April 8, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or to Hospice of the Upstate at 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. The McDougald Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Anderson, SC Events Visitation Friday, April 8, 2016 6:00PM - 8:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Saturday, April 9, 2016 3:30PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Final Resting Place South Lawn Memorial Gardens 1350 Flat Rock Rd. Starr, SC 29684