Elton Gay Obituary

Elton Robert Gay of Taylors, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. Elton lived a life defined by his faith and his unwavering generosity, and will be fondly remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Born on January 24, 1945, in Jasper, Alabama, Elton was the cherished son of the late Harvey Jennings Grooms and Thelma Rhodes Grooms. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. While he was always a man who valued hard work and perseverance, his time in the service reinforced these principles, which he carried with him throughout the rest of his life.

Following his service, he pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina and The Citadel. A gifted entrepreneur, he later founded Carolina Structures, which he owned and operated for twenty years. Elton was also a Freemason and a proud member of The Hejaz Shriners, where he worked to raise funds to support children in need of specialized medical care.

In his free time, Elton enjoyed playing golf, traveling the world, and going on adventures with those he loved. Above all else, Elton was a man of deep and abiding faith. As a member and deacon of Pebble Creek Baptist Church, his presence left a lasting impact on all who met him.

Elton's greatest joy in life was his family. He shared 57 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara. Together, they built a life founded on the truest love and deepest friendship, a legacy carried on by his two children and six grandchildren. Elton's life was spent dedicated to those around him, and remains a testament to his service, devotion, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared by clicking on either the "Share a Memory" footer or the word "Tributes" in the dropdown menu.