Joel Temple Elam

Joel “Temple” Elam, Age 90, passed peacefully Tuesday November 19, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Briarwood Care Facility. He was born August 15, 1934, in Atlanta, GA to Harry and Bernice (Long) Elam. He completed high school at Clarkston High in Clarkston, GA in 1954. He married Norma (Tingle) Elam, born to A.D. and Nellie (Crumbley) Tingle, on May 26, 1957, at Mountainview Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, GA in which at the time he was serving his country in the Army. After they married Temple was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas from 1957 – 1959 and served eight years in the reserves then completed his service and was discharged honorably. After moving back to Georgia Temple and Norma brought three children into this world: Joel Lee (Connie) Elam, Norman Darrell (Beth) Elam and Donna Dee (Mark) Yuspeh. They have six grandchildren Chris (Mary) Elam, Shawn Ray Jr., Brittanie (Nick) Duranleau, Emily Elam, Kristin Elam, Jessica Yuspeh and have five great-grandchildren Natalie, Will, Finn, Rhett, and Tripp. Temple was proceeded in death by his brother Kenneth Elam and Kenneth’s wife Kay (Nunnally) Elam. Temple was well known as “Shorty” from running his own business in a mobile catering truck well known as Shorty’s Catering from 1972 – 1989 after acquiring his truck from Lloyd’s Catering in which he worked from 1955 – 1972. He made many friends in his lifetime many in which has proceeded him in death. All of whom are still around have many fond memories of Temple and proudly speak fondly of him. He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike. Memorial services will be held Saturday December 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Highland’s Presbyterian Church 830 Grayson Pkwy Grayson, GA 30017. The family will be arriving around 9:30 AM for a visitation before the service. There will be a lunch at the church following the service for those who wish to attend.