Michael Gene Elder Sr.

Michael Gene Elder Sr., affectionately known as “Mike” to his friends and family, passed away on May 18^th, 2024, in his home of Colonial Heights, VA. Born on March 13^th, 1954, to Edith and Joe Elder, alongside his sibling JoAnn, he was a talented athlete who loved playing sports. His teammates knew him as “Eel”, and during this time, he met the love of his life, Rudy Elder. Mike and Rudy married in 1973, and together they nurtured a family that would grow to include their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mike was a former employee of Chesterfield County. He loved collecting many things, mainly his coins. He taught himself how to play the guitar, went to thrift stores, gun shows, coin shows, and always spoiling “his girl,” Zari Rose.

Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and son. He stood strong for his beliefs and had a heart of gold. He did so much in the background that many didn’t know because he didn’t do it for acknowledgement or praise; he did it because his heart was pure. He took pride in making sure his family was taken care of. He was simple yet a great man, and he was loved more than he knew by so many. There is so much more to say, but that would be a never-ending story.

Mike’s legacy is carried through his family, whom he loved with every fiber of his being. He is survived by his sister, JoAnn; her husband, Pace; and his nephews, Adam and Nick. By his wife, Rudy Elder; and children, Tina and her husband Robert, Angela, Jessica and her husband Jermaine, and Pam. Many grandchildren. Michael, Troy, Josh, Kara, Brandon, Blake, Tylis, Terell, Laylah, Jazmyne, Jailynn, Jamira, Jada, and Zari Rose. He had many great grandchildren as well. Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Edith; and father, Joe; his son, Michael Jr.; and his grandchildren, Marcel, Jamari, Tabitha, and Jermaine Jr.

A funeral service will be held on 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Colonial Heights, at the Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, with Reverend David Prather officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, May 24, 2024, at the funeral home. Internment to follow at Appomattox Cemetery, 703 N. 21^st street, Hopewell, Virginia 23860. Condolences will be registered online at Ealvinsmall.com.