Thomas "Tom" Satterfield Elder, Jr.

Thomas Satterfield Elder, Jr., of Burlington, North Carolina, passed away on March 10 from complications following a stroke. Known affectionately as Papa Tom, he was a devoted father and grandfather who touched the lives of many with his quiet strength and steadfast friendship.

Born on October 1, 1947, in High Point, North Carolina, to Thomas Satterfield Elder, Sr., and Betty Elder (née Rector), Tom grew up in Siler City. He graduated from Jordan-Matthews High School and married Beth Moon in 1969. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as an airman with radio and television technician duties. Following his military service, he returned to North Carolina, first settling in Siler City before moving with his wife to Greensboro, where he worked as a photocopier technician for the Paul B. Williams Company. After ten years there, he founded and operated two businesses, Elder Heating & Cooling and Elder Properties.

Tom had a lifelong love for motorcycles, good food, and playing pool. He was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts as a leader, guiding young scouts on two treks to Philmont Scout Reserve in New Mexico and proudly completing the Wood Badge national leadership course. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth, who passed in 2012 after battling Alzheimer’s disease, as well as both of his parents and his brother, Andy Elder.

He is survived by his son, Tony Elder, and Tony’s wife, Christy; his two granddaughters, Pailyn and Savannah Elder; his cousin, Kenneth Steele; and his best friend and companion, Debra McCusker.