Truett Irwin Elton

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Truett Irwin Elton on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 100. The funeral service for Truett Elton will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 2:00p.m., followed by interment at Zeta Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service.

Mr. Elton was born on November 12, 1924, in Tennille, GA to Hillory Irving Elton and Mattie Bell Trawick Elton, and lived a life of integrity and love of family and friends. After graduating from Tennille High School, he attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, now the University of North Georgia. During his high school years, Mr. Elton was a standout football player who scored the only touchdown during his final senior football game.  Unfortunately, the Tennille Tigers missed the extra point, losing the game 7-6 against Forsyth High School! During this time, Tennille High School was so small that he and his teammates had to play both offense and defense - while wearing a foldable leather helmet.  He also played baseball and participated on the track team in both running and pole vaulting, and, per the norms at the time, landing in a bed of sawdust!

Following his time at North Georgia College, Mr. Elton joined the United States Merchant Marines, training in Brooklyn, NY, before being stationed in San Pedro, CA.  He served admirably across eight different ships during his service.

Following World War II, he returned to the family farm, and shortly thereafter met and was married to Sara Page. Soon after they welcomed three daughters, Connie, June, and Melanie. An avid sports fan, Mr. Elton golfed for decades and achieved two holes in one.  He enjoyed the times spent on the golf course at Twin City Country Club and various golf courses in Georgia.  In addition to playing golf, Mr. Elton enjoyed reading and watching sports - whether it was football, baseball, golf, auto racing, etc., but especially the University of Georgia Bulldogs! More importantly, he cherished the times spent with his numerous friends, both playing golf and the great conversations that transpired at “coffee club.”

Mr. Elton was known for his love and support for family and his many friends and was a man of strong character.  He had a reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness.  His secrets to longevity included keeping up with current events, staying active, being surrounded by a loving family, and his many friendships.

He was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, and at the time of his death was the oldest living member of this church that he had attended his entire life.

Mr. Elton is survived by his beloved daughters, Connie (Jeff) Manguno, June (William) Hutchings, and Melanie Miles, as well as grandsons Raborn Taylor, III and Jarrod Hutchings (fiancé Lindsey Elliott).  He is also survived by his former wife, Sara Page Hall, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Mr. Elton is predeceased by his parents, Hillory Irving Elton and Mattie Bell Trawick Elton, sisters Loma Elton Hitchcock, Ellen Elton Hitchcock, Nancy Elton Henry, and a brother, Edwin Elton.

We owe special gratitude to the staff of the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, GA, and to the staff of Compassus Hospice. The care we received from both was truly appreciated. We are also grateful to the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the largest and oldest war veterans service organization in the United States, and the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Truett Elton’s name to either of the following:  Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 1183 Mt. Moriah Rd., Tennille, GA 31089; VFW Disaster Relief fund, ℅ Georgia VFW, PO Box 3025, Macon, GA 31205; or the GA War Veterans Home, 2249 Vinson Hwy, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Condolences may be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.