Willie George Elam Sr.

July 9, 1928 - February 4, 2018

District Elder Willie Elam George, Sr., was born in Manchester, Tennessee on July 9, 1928 to Mr. Glen Lee Elam, his father and Mrs. Gladys Willis Elam, his mother. He was raised on a farm where he learned strong values and good work ethics at an early age. As he grew up, he became aware of the fact that the family did not have the money that was necessary for the necessities that was needed as they grew up, as todays’ families have more conveniences than they had growing up. From those experiences he often told his family and the saints to always put a little something under the salt. Being very mature in the mind he did not give himself to much play. As soon as he had completed his secondary education, at age 15, he left home, got a job and went to work. At the age of 17, he married on January 13th, 1946 in Tullahoma, Tennessee to the beautiful Ida Christine. His family began to grow rapidly. Then in 1948 they came to Pontiac, Michigan, where he got a job in Wilson’s Foundry making blocks for cars, working there from June to January and he was laid off; being the industrious man that he was, he was not the idle type, so he found work in various other fields. In October of 1949 he was hired at the Pontiac Motors, working there for 32 and ½ years. He retired in 1982 and had worked part time gardening, doing yard work as well as other types of work. He taught his children how to work and assisted them with establishing their own business. As one comes into Pontiac, the name Elam is quite visible on their various places of businesses. November of 1950 he was baptized in Jesus name and received the Holy Ghost the same night. Nine months later after a seven day fast, he was called into the ministry under the leadership of Elder Roland Core at the Bethlehem Temple Church of Pontiac. Growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Elder Elam remained steadfast in the Apostles doctrine. By contending for the faith, he was constrained to move forward in ministry. At which time he founded and began pastoring at Christ Temple Apostolic church on Sanford street and a few years later moved to 539 So. Paddock Street. Better known as the white house on the hill. There he taught the saints, his 17 children and many grand and great grand children the ways of HOLINESS. Going to Sunday School and church was not an option. Elder Elam was an active member of the Northern District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. He was District Elder of the 10th District and was very active in most auxiliaries. In 2013 his son Walter was installed as pastor. Kindly known as “Dad” to many he never really retired. Words in the English language fail, when one tries to describe Dist. Elder Willie G. Elam Sr. and all that he stood for. The husband of one wife “Ida Christine” for 72 years, a real father and provider for many. He was also known as the “Modern Day Abraham”. On Sunday, February 4, 2018 he went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother. He is survived by four brothers, Ernest Walter Elam of Michigan, Calvin Franklin Elam of Florida, Freddie Glen Elam of Chicago and Paul Howard Elam of Tennessee; three sisters, Clara Mai Battles of Penn, Mary Christine Fox and Jessie Ruth Phillips both of Tenn. His wife, Ida Christine (Bonner) Elam, and 17 children; Willie George Elam, Jr (Kattie Mae), Walter Thomas Elam, Jr. (Peggy Anne), Mary Christine (Elam) Jones (William Floyd) Jones, Roland Alfonzo Elam Sr. (Martha Ann), Elizabeth Ann Elam (Radell) Freeman, James Franklin Elam Sr. (Michelle Denise), Norman Lee Elam (Christine Gaddis), Nathaniel Lewis Elam Sr. (Audrey Fay), Deborah Renee Elam-Moss, Melvin Andrew (Sarah), Alice Juanita Elam, Shirley Lenora (John Fitzgerald Kennedy), Carl Anthony Elam, Carla Annette Elam, Earl Dwight Elam (LaDonna), Glenda Lorraine (Timothy Alan) Murphy, Riley Terrance Elam, and over 250 grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren