James Fred Elder, Sr., 79, of Red House Road, Appomattox, died Tuesday morning June 17, 2014 at his residence. He was the husband of Thama Mann Elder.

Fred was born in Appomattox County, July 5, 1934 a son of the late Mary Willie Reed and Claude Swanson Elder. He was a member of Appomattox Assembly of God, Evergreen Hunt Club and a retired employee of Gould Battery with 32 years of service.

In addition to his wife, Thama, he is survived by three children; , James F. (Doc) Elder, Jr. and wife, Fran of Concord, Bud L. Elder and wife, Bonnie of Gladstone and Donna E. Templeton and fiancé, Chester Francis of Lynchburg; six grandchildren, James Elder and wife, Samantha, Kevin Almond and wife, Brooke; Wayne Watkins, Harvey Watson, Debbie Newman and husband, David; Robert Watson and wife, Kristie; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Daniel, Robbie, and Sophie; brother-in-law and wife, Elmo W. Mann and Patsy of Concord.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Howard Douglas Watson; brother, Buddy Swanson Elder; sister, Thelma Louise Crews and two brothers-in-law, James V. Mann and Albert Crews.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at Appomattox Assembly of God officiated by the Rev. Rodney Blank. Burial will follow in Bethany Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the residence and at the church one prior to the service.

The family wishes to especially thank the Appomattox Rescue Squad, Dr. Larry F. Smith, Tammy Wingo and staff.