Mr. Lee Eldreth

Lillard "Lee" Eldreth of 567 Inspiration Way, West Jefferson NC died Thursday, May 05, 2016. Mr. Eldreth was born in the Flatwoods community of Ashe County on November 24, 1931. He graduated West Jefferson High School in May 1950 and entered the US Army in June of that year. Lee served in Korea, Japan and Okinawa and gained the rank of Master Sergeant in the Armor branch in 1952 with the 24th Infantry Division. He was commissioned Armor 2nd Lt USAR after graduating Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning GA 1957. He graduated fixed wing flight school at San Marcus TX, rotary wing school at Ft. Rucker, AL and instrument school with Southern Airways in Augusta GA. Lee flew both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft for the remainder of his 20 year military career, logging 3,700 plus hours of flying time. He was assigned to the 37th Armored Battalion in Germany where he spent 3 years. After completing Advanced Armor Officer's School at Ft. Knox, KY he was assigned to Ft. Hood, TX for a short time before receiving orders for Iran. He served with a MAAG (Military Assistance Advisory Group) unit from 196­­5 to 1967 in Teheran, Iran, accompanied by his family. While in Iran he was promoted to Major. Upon completing his tour in Iran he returned to the United States briefly before being reassigned to Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam 1967-1968, he earned the Vietnamese Bronze Star as well as the US Bronze Star. Major Eldreth also earned the Purple Heart from wounds received in Phu Lai Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968. He spent 42 days in the hospital in Vietnam then a month TDY, recuperating in Bangkok Thailand. Lee was known to his military peers by the nickname 'Pappy' because he was never without a pipe in his mouth.

He was a lifetime member of TROA/MOAA since 1971. Upon his return from Vietnam, Lee was assigned back to his home base of Ft. Hood, TX where he operated Gray Army Airfield until his retirement in June 1970. He and his family returned to their roots in Ashe County, NC in 1972.
Lee was a long time member of Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church, having served as Elder for many years on the Session, teaching Sunday School as well as assisting with Bible School and repairs to the church. He was a local substitute mail carrier for a few years after returning to Ashe County. He also assisted his brother-in-law Pete Gambill in the plumbing business before devoting full time to LeesTrees Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Farm. He particularly enjoyed his hobby of woodworking. His scroll-saw Christmas ornaments and manger scenes were favorites of his tree customers.
Lee enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee every workday morning at People's Drugstore in West Jefferson, catching up on local news, and flipping a coin for whomever was to pay the check.

In addition to his parents, Charles & Emaline Shepherd Eldreth & siblings, William, Walter and Nellie, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Lee Eldreth in 1999. Lee is survived by his wife, Mannon Blevins Eldreth of the home; his daughter, Ellen Verhaagen and her husband Dave of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: Christy, Abbey, Maddie & Daniel Verhaagen - all of Charlotte NC; a brother, Charles Eldreth, Jr. and his wife Patricia; a sister-in-law, Opal Koontz Eldreth and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church from 1:00 to ­­­2:00 pm prior to the funeral services at 2:00 at the church. Burial will be in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson. Badger Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests no flowers, however, memorial contributions may be made In memory of Lillard "Lee" Eldreth to either:

THE DANIEL LEE "DAN" ELDRETH MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT
C/O NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
4601 SIX FORKS RD STE 524
RALEIGH NC 27609
OR
MOUNT JEFFERSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PO BOX 782
WEST JEFFERSON NC 28694

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

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