Charles Elam

Charles Buford Elam was born on March 27, 1952 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late parents of Horlis Richard and Mary Elizabeth Elam. He entered into his eternal rest on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at St. Thomas-West.  

Charles accepted Christ as his Savior at Mt. Arat Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend New as a child in 1959. He later united with Claiborne Street Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend Robert W. Finney in 1968. At Claiborne Street, Charles served in many roles: as a deacon, Chairperson of the Deacons, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Chairman of the Trustee Board. Also, under Reverend Finney, Charles was licensed and ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. Under the pastorship of Reverend Davie Tucker, Reverend Elam taught the Men’s Sunday School Class, volunteered in the Center of Imagination (Beech Creek’s After School Program) until the decline in his health.

Charles spent his early years at Napier Elementary and Cameron High School in South Nashville. Charles was affectionately called “Blue”. He played defensive tackle on his high school varsity football team and was a member on the golf team. During his senior year, Charles placed second in the “All City School Boy Golf Tournament”. Charles graduated from Cameron in the class of 1970. 

When Charles was 13, he began working alongside his father in the janitorial business. He enjoyed the financial freedom it gave him. When his father, Mr. Elam, became disabled he turned operations of the business to his son Charles.

In 1998, Charles graduated from the Entrepreneurial Growth and Training Program (EGT) offered through Benita Davis in South Nashville. He often became a featured speaker as a success story to inspire currently enrolled students. 

On July 12, 1999 Charles married Beverly Darlene Watson at St. Thomas-West Chapel. To this union, no children were born. Charles Elam was a beloved husband to Beverly. He affectionately called her his “Yellow Banana”. After they were married, Beverly joined Charles in the janitorial business which later became known as Elam’s Janitorial Service and Supply. 

During his leisure time, Charles enjoyed watching golf, football, and basketball. He even recruited his wife, Beverly, to enjoy sports. 

Charles loved his family and if he called you his friend he loved you, too. He is truly loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Beverly Watson Elam.

He is predeceased by his only child, La’Tonjia Shereiko Elam; sons-in-love, Charles (Kellie), and Purez; sibling, Sherryl Elaine; brothers-in-law Sherard and Alvin, Jr.; sisters-in-law Sharonda (John) and Betty. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and loving family and friends. 

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