David E. Elrod

David E. Elrod, 2nd generation proprietor of Elrod's Furniture in Big Spring for many years, died Monday, January 14, 2008, at his home. He was 80. Mr. Elrod had been battling cancer for several years. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the 14th and Main Street Church of Christ with Rick Cunningham, minister, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.Mr. Elrod moved to Big Spring in 1946 with his new bride, Evelyn, to go into the furniture business with his brothers, John William Elrod, Jr. and Joseph Elrod, after their father retired. John W. Elrod, Sr. opened Elrod's Furniture in Big Spring in 1937. In 1952 David Elrod bought out his brothers and became the sole proprietor of Elrod's Furniture, a position he continued until his retirement in 1983 when his son, Dee Elrod and Dee's wife, Lynda took over the business.Born March 26, 1927, in Lubbock, Mr. Elrod was a lifetime athlete and musician. While a student at Sweetwater High School he actively participated in basketball, football, and tennis and competed at the state tennis championships. He loved to swim and was a lifeguard and Eagle Scout. As a student at Abilene Christian University, Mr. Elrod was a singer and enjoyed playing softball. In his adult years he continued to play tennis, sing solos, was a member of ensembles with friends, and enjoyed a good game of golf.Mr. Elrod's greatest passion in life was his belief in the deity of Jesus Christ. He served his church as a Bible teacher, deacon, and elder, and frequently led the congregational singing. He loved singing with his spiritual family and was often asked to lead singing at other events beyond the regular meeting of the Church. Mr. Elrod was a member of the 14th and Main Street Church of Christ.Mr. Elrod is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Evelyn Barfield; a daughter, Karen, of Rockwall, who is the Director of Choral Music Activities at Rockwall High School; a son, Dee, who is now the owner of Elrod's Furniture and a son, Jon David, of Dallas, who is a flight attendant for American Airlines. Also surviving are Karen's husband, Gary Thomas and Dee's wife, Lynda Elrod; five grandchildren, Jennifer Pemberton, Benjamin Lee, John Lee, Laura Eckhardt, and Leslie Elrod; Mr. Elrod's brother, Joseph Elrod of Abilene; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Joan Barfield of Sweetwater, and Ray and Gail Craig of Arlington; one great-granddaughter, Breanna Lee, and beloved nieces and nephews.Mr. Elrod's wife, children and grandchildren credit their "Papa" as a great infulence and special gift from God in their lives.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,