In Memoriam : George Elam

George Elam George Elam - age: 79
(September 14, 1941 to November 25, 2020 )
Resident of Porterville, California

Visitation Information:
A Graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm located at Exeter District Cemetery.

Obituary:
George Edward Elam was born in San Luis Obispo CA to James and Juanita McCord Elam on September 14, 1941. George entered Heaven on November 25, 2020 at the age of 79, peacefully at his home in Porterville, CA. At a young age he and his family moved to Exeter. George attended a small county school in Ivanhoe and helped the family farm their walnuts. George was very active in Boy Scouts, loved the outdoors and camping. George graduated from Exeter Union High School in the class of 1959 and attended College of the Sequoias and later worked for the family business, Elam and Elam Painting from 1961 to 1964, then Sherwood Homes and GE Painting before starting George E. Elam Painting in 1965. George entered the US Army in 1966 where he was in the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion 81E20. He was a driver for General Tillwell and A.E. Maloy, George drove John Wayne during the making of the movie, The Green Beret. After returning to civilian life, he helped run James Elam and Sons Painting until 1971.

George was a hard worker, a great man and friend to all, a loving husband to his wife of 56 years, Trish Elam, a loving son, a wonderful uncle and was well respected by all who knew him. He dedicated a long 46-year career as the Executive Director of the Tulare and Kings Counties Builders Exchange where he was hired as Executive Director in May 1971. George helped the Builders Exchange membership increased and the organization flourished. With the growth of the Tulare and Kings County Builders Exchange, the association had a need for the Exchange to expand and a new facility was built on Lovers Lane in Visalia. With the new expansion and new office in Visalia, his goal was to establish a grass roots industry in the region. George was honored to be elected to lead as president of the International Builders Exchange by his peers.

George was very active within several Tulare County Communities as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he instructed Junior Achievements. He traveled several nights a week working with the youth and students. He served as a Youth Sports Director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the Governor of the Junior Chamber, District 5 and was also a member of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce Board. George played Santa Claus for hundreds of families, organizations, and schools, throughout Tulare County, and was Santa on the Visalia Chamber Float for many years. One year, Skip King piloted his helicopter with Santa Elam on board to the Exeter Chamber of Commerce. He chaired the State Junior Bowl at Exeter Lanes. George was a proud and active supporter of the Exeter Union High School Alumni Foundation. George provided much support for the organization’s Annual Golf Tournament, and served in leadership roles as president for the foundation in 2006. He was selected as Exeter Alumni of the Year in 2012. George contributed much of his success to his life partner, Trish Elam. George and Trish worked hard as a team and created Elam’s Lakeside Garden at their beautiful home where they hosted many weddings and events. George and Trish were each other’s biggest supporters.

George loved entertaining people, singing Elvis songs, old cars and collectables along with enjoying family time at the cabin in Pine Flat Village near CA Hot Springs. George will be greatly missed by many.

George is preceded in death by his father James, mother Juanita, bother Jack, brother and sister in laws, and many loved ones. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 56 years, Trisha Elam and their family: including his brother and sister-in-law’s, many cousins, nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces and many friends and loved ones.

The family appreciates and welcomes donations to be made to the Exeter High School Alumni Foundation, PO Box 1035, Exeter, CA 93221 or to Bristol Hospice, 2439 West Whitendale, Visalia CA 93277 in honor of his name.







John Guinn - December 7, 2020Contact this person Contact this person
George was a perfect example of a wonderful human being from every aspect of his life. I was a classmate and friend of George’s and such wonderful memories of someone that was always there for you. We were so proud to say that we graduated from our beloved EUHS on June 5, 1959. I know I can speak for all of George’s classmates that he will be missed and dearly loved by all. My heart goes out to Trish because she has lost the love of her life and her soulmate. I send all my love to Trish and her family. Shirley Guinn Blair, Las Vegas Nevada.


Charlotte DeAngelo - December 10, 2020Contact this person Contact this person
Trish ... our prayers continue with you. We have so many wonderful memories of good times shared at the Elam Family Reunions over the years with you and George! All members of the Elam family are blessed by our heritage. May you feel the Lord's presence and peace in the days ahead. Our Love, Charlotte & Wayne & Famlly