Melvin "Red" Elsea

Melvin “Red” Elsea, age 78 of Graysville, died September 2, 2009 in Chattanooga. He was born February 1, 1931 to the late Arthur and Lona (Freeman) Elsea. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter Janet Coleman, brother Raymond Elsea and sister Allene McSpadden.

A life long resident of Rhea County, he was a retired truck driver and enjoyed fixing old bicycles and giving them to children.

Red is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cecile (Brooks) Elsea, daughter Audry Yearwood Snyder of Dayton, son Randall Elsea of Spencer, 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Red will be held Thursday at 7: 00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Sister Opal Scott officiating Burial will be Friday at 11:00 am in Plesantview Cemetery in Graysville.

Please share your memories of “Red” on his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .

The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Thursday after 2:00