Mr. Richard Wayne McElrath

January 22, 1930 - January 19, 2020

Richard Wayne McElrath was born in Oklahoma on January 22, 1930, and raised in Cherokee County Alabama, near Centre, passed away January 19, 2020, funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 pm at Connect Church in Guntersville with Dr. Keith Langner, John Croyle & Dr. Aaron Johnson officiating, the family will receive friends from 11:00 am till time of service, burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery. He graduated from Auburn University in 1952 with a degree in agricultural education and served as a U.S. Army platoon commander during the Korean War. He devoted his time and his talents towards the betterment of agriculture, through Auburn University, the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, and numerous other channels of service. During a career of more than 30 years, he contributed immeasurably to the welfare of poultry producers in Alabama and other states and was a major contributor to the poultry industry’s growth in Alabama. He held numerous positions of leadership for national poultry business before beginning his own commercial egg business in 1968. Two years later he purchased Ralston Purina’s Albertville boilers division, where he had worked earlier in his career. He held numerous positions of leadership in the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, including being Chairman of the Board in 1979. He was inducted into the AP&EA Poultry Hall of Fame in 1987. In addition to his substantial support of Auburn, he is a staunch benefactor of Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for abused and unwanted children. When he sold his business he donated a group home to the ranch. He is a member of Connect Church in Guntersville. He is survived by his wife; Faye McElrath, daughters; Vickie Jenkins, Kay McElrath (Michael) Johnson, Leah Love, brother; Herman (Linda) McElrath, grandchildren; Josh Richey, Alisha Adams, Venice Rowan Adams, Villyn Mae Vaughn, Anna Claire Love, godson; Zachary Langner, special friend; Bobby Green. He was preceded in death by his parents; Richard & Eula Mae McElrath, brother; Johnny Mack McElrath, sister; Marta Dale Borders. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shepherds Cove Hospice of Marshall County or Big Oak Ranch. Thank you.