Kenneth Welton Elrod passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Pell City, Alabama at the age of 93. He was born February 23, 1932, to the late Arnie S. Elrod and Minnie LaRue Elrod. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1951. Later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Edna Faye Pearson.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Edna Faye Elrod; his son, Michael Stephen Elrod; his parents, Arnie Elrod and Minnie Elrod; and his sister, Wanda June Elrod.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (David) Wilson of Lincoln, Alabama; grandchildren, Autumn Wilson, Jeremy (Lindsey) Wilson, Virginia Elrod-Mangham, Michael (Kim) Elrod, and Andrea Elrod; and nine great grandchildren.
After high school, he worked at DuPont and lived in Augusta, Georgia. He later moved back to Alabama and was a superintendent in construction of water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants. He worked for Steel City Construction, Rhinehart and Ward, and Advanced Tank.
He enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with his stories, of which he had many. He loved baseball, Alabama football, and a good ribeye (usually the ones he grilled himself). He took pride in his always clean Chevy pick-up and John Deere lawn mower that he washed every time he cut the grass. While he was affectionately known for his stubbornness and insistence on doing things his way, he also loved a good prank and creating nicknames for every family member. One of his trademarks was his pipe smoking. He had his own special blend of tobacco, and its smell will forever serve as a reminder of him to those who loved him. Above all, he loved his family fiercely and generously and will be deeply missed.
A graveside service will be Saturday February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at New Hope #2 Cemetery, Lee Witherington will be officiating.
