Frank Elam Obituary

Frank Irvin Elam CHARLESTON - Frank Irvin Elam, 86, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), husband of Mary Gale Elam, entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 24, 2014. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Elam are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 12:00 PM Friday, March 28, 2014, in the Chapel of the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Frank's guestbook may be signed at www.JamesAMcAlister.com. Frank was born in Ashland, KY on March 13, 1928, the son of Frank B. and Ima D. Sergant Elam. His first job was as a mail carrier at age 14 in Ashland, KY, his birthplace. He enlisted in the USAF in 1951, became a sergeant within three years and was assigned to Air Force Intel Service. Frank graduated from Yale University Language School in 1952. He was selected for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in 1952. Frank went into the Pilot Training Program and graduated in 1954. He was assigned to the Military Air Transport Service in Athens, Greece followed by an assignment to the National Security Administration. Frank was reassigned to Military Airlift Command, where he participated in testing the new C-141 aircraft. He was also involved in developing the C-5A aircraft program at Charleston AFB. Frank became Squadron Commander of a unit in Southeast Asia, then returned to the C-5A Squadron until his retirement in 1975. He then enjoyed his life traveling. Frank is survived by his three sons: Gregory L. Elam (Veronique), Frank N. "Mickey" Elam (Cindy), and Matley W. Elam (Megan); a sister, Claudia E. Compton; twelve grandchildren; nine great-granchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Gerald R. Hendrick. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Arrangements by James A. McAlister 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston