Joe D. Elder met Jesus face-to-face on May 4, 2026, just shy of his 87th birthday. Born on May 8, 1939, in Good Hope, Georgia, Joe spent his life making a difference in the world and in the lives of those around him. He lived in Fort White, Florida after retirement, and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and devoted follower of Christ.

At age 18, Joe eloped with Marie Clegg, age 16. They continued to live with their respective parents. A few weeks later when the other couple who eloped 'fessed up, Joe took Marie home to live with his parents. They lived in the Social Circle, Georgia area for several years.

While working on his associate's degree, he took the IBM Career Assessment. To his surprise, he was offered a position based on that assessment. After moving from Georgia with Marie and three young children, he lived in Cocoa, Florida where he began his career with IBM at the Kennedy Space Center. He worked there for 25 years, contributing to projects that pushed the boundaries of space exploration. He experienced some of the industry's highs and lows, being the closest civilian to the Apollo tragedy in January 1967, a moment that forever marked the history of the U.S. space program.

Joe was a true jack of all trades. Whether fixing anything that broke or supporting his family through their various interests, he was always willing to lend a hand. He had an early stint as a Coca-Cola delivery driver, a radio repairman, and even dabbled in accounting—although that didn't last long! After retirement, he brought his knack for numbers to H&R Block, and worked with funerals in various roles.

His deep interest in the Bible and its history was evident not only in his personal studies but also in his efforts to teach and engage others. Joe read through the Bible yearly and encouraged friends and family to join in the challenge, even offering gift cards to those who completed the task. That's when Donna and David jumped on the Bible wagon. He used that knowledge to teach Sunday School for many years, at First Baptist Delray Beach and continuing at First Baptist High Springs. He made life-long friends through relationships at both churches, even traveling with the Delray Beach "First Friends" for many years after moving away.

He was a member of the Masons in Monroe and High Springs for over 60 years and served as Worshipful Master for a one-year appointment, an honor he cherished.

Generosity defined Joe's character. He often helped strangers, supported missions, and was particularly devoted to his family. When he got a new car, he'd pass on his old one to someone in need, humorously reminding them of the "Georgia guarantee"—if it breaks, you get to keep both pieces! He loved to tell a good joke and had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that brought smiles to those around him.

Joe was involved in the lives of his children, Denise, Donna, and David as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cheering them on in band, sports, and any endeavors they pursued. He and Marie treated many of the First Baptist High Springs kids as their local substitute grands. He helped organize family and class reunions, keeping connections alive and thriving.

Joe also had a love for travel, having ventured to the Holy Land, Hawaii, Switzerland and served on mission trips to Haiti. Music was another passion; he cultivated a musical family. Denise played the flute, Donna played the clarinet, David played the trumpet, Marie played the piano—while Joe played the radio. Somehow, they let him "sing" in the Young at Heart Choir, but we all know it was mainly to hear his jokes and star in their productions. Some things, like his Adam costume, you can't erase from your mind.

Joe became quite the cook in his own right, especially after Marie could no longer share her delicious creations – even making buttermilk biscuits from scratch using his mother's recipe. He liked making warm chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies for them to enjoy in the evenings.

A valedictorian in high school, Joe had a thirst for knowledge and kept himself sharp by following financial news (Kiplinger Report) and sharing insights with his family. He created a binder for each of the grandkids and took time for a financial lesson with each one.

Joe D. Elder leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unwavering spirit that touched the lives of many. His warm heart and wisdom will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Elder; daughters, Denise (Dan) Page and Donna (Bill) Brannon; daughter-in-love, Marcia Elder, the wife of Joe's son, David, who met Jesus in January 2025; siblings Ricky (Connie) Elder, Mary Ellen Gaucin; grandchildren, Jason Page, Crystal Smail, Keith Brannon, Caitlin Wuerstlin, Karalee Gregory, Jamison Elder and Brandon Elder; great-grandchildren Cameron Page, Harrison Page, Brinkley Smail, Chloe Brannon, Ella Brannon, Josie Brannon, Bonnie Wuerstlin, Maura Wuerstlin, Anne Gregory, June Gregory, Grayson Elder, Jude Elder, Henry Elder, Ezekiel Elder, Mabel Elder, and Shiloh Elder; and sister-in-law Janice (David) Cooper.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, M.E and Eliza Elder; his son, David Elder, his grandson, Shane Page, and siblings, Danny Elder, Marvin Elder and Martha Jean Daffin. He also had a special relationship with his father-in-law, Robert Clegg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for First Baptist Church, High Springs.

These are the instructions to watch online on the Church website.

www.fbchighsprings.org

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Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Carter Funeral Home 18724 High Springs Main St. High Springs Fl 32643...386-454-2444