Ernest Frank Elder

Mr. Ernest Frank Elder, 72, was born on February 24, 1954, in Lancaster, South Carolina. He departed this life on April 21, 2026, at his home in Fort Lawn, South Carolina.

He was the son of the late Ernest Elder and the late Dorothy Johnson Elder. Ernest was affiliated with the Baptist faith and retired from Springs Industries after many years of dedicated service. He lived a life rooted in family, faith, and community. 

He was united in holy matrimony to his devoted wife, Glenda Buchanan Elder.

Ernest was a proud graduate of Lewisville High School. He embraced life with a simple joy, finding peace and happiness in fishing—often sharing his catch with family and friends. Hunting and cutting grass were also among his favorite pastimes, reflecting his love for the outdoors and hard work.

His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Glenda Elder of Fort Lawn, SC; three sons, Ernest Jemaar Elder of Fort Lawn, SC, Mario Cloud (Tiki) of Chester, SC, and Carlos Cunningham (Shay) of Lancaster, SC; four daughters, Okiki Elder of Lancaster, SC, Lacey Cook (Shane) of Shelby, NC, Tressa Watson (Derrick) of Rock Hill, SC, Kayla Brown of Lancaster, SC, five sisters, Cynthia Elder (Henry) of Rock Hill, SC, Gail Elder of Edgemoor, SC, Carolyn Elder of Fort Mill, SC, Debbie Elder (Ervin) of Lancaster, SC, and Brenda Elder of Charlotte, NC.

He also leaves to cherish his loving memories his grandchildren: Arkia Elder, Zaria Wade, Gregory Wade, Kayden Talford, Paisley Mack, Kannon Cook, Kehlani Wade, Alycia Cook, Arshanea Cook, AJ Cook, Shaquala Cunningham, Tamara Wright, Nikerion Brown, Jimeion Brown, Delvin Drakeford Jr, Kamora Buford, Nikari Brown, Nikyla Brown, Ariana Meredith, Je’Mariana McGriff, Railynn Miller, Kyla Cloud, Mario Cloud Jr, Shakerionna Elder and Da'Kharii Reid, special nieces, April, Courtney, Tiara, Letrail, Narissa, Quanitra, Teya and Tasha.

He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Buchanan of Fort Lawn, SC; brothers-in-law, Marvin Buchanan (Vicky) of Fort Lawn, SC and Lawrence Buchanan (Phyllis) of Lancaster, SC; and sisters-in-law, Martha Elder of Fort Lawn, SC, Regenia Williams (Keith) of Fort Lawn, SC, Angelia Delk (Dre) of Charlotte, NC, and Sheila Buchanan (Carl) of Blythewood, SC.

Ernest also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends: Terry Lynn, Ed Buchanan, Tyrone Martin, Eugene Robinson, Daryell Brown, Rassin Kelly, Hilton Hayes, Junior Blackmon, and Anton Lynn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Elder, and his sister, Gloria Elder.

Though he has departed this earthly life, Ernest’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love for family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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