March 31, 2024 at 11:44 a.m.
Obituary
John “Johnny” Henry Elmore Jr.
CATAWBA, N.C. - John “Johnny” Henry Elmore Jr., 81, of 102 3rd Ave., SE, Catawba, NC passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory following a brief illness.
He was born on February 20, 1943 in Catawba County to the late Mr. and Mrs. John H. (Grace Miller) Elmore Sr. Johnny attended Bunker Hill High School (where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball) and Lenoir-Rhyne College, before beginning a career with his family-owned business, Elmore Construction & Supply Co., Inc. Eventually he became the President/CEO of Elmore Construction Co., Inc., building primarily schools, churches and institutional/corporate structures.
Elected to the Town of Catawba Board of Commissioners for 22 years, Johnny served as Mayor for 14 of those years. He was instrumental in the celebration of the Town’s 100th anniversary in 1993. Also, he secured the future growth of infrastructure, increased annexation, and secured bonds for a waterline extension from Newton, and the purchase of a new fire truck.
Johnny was a 50+ year member of Riverside Lodge #606 in Catawba, serving as Master Mason in 1972. He became a member of the Scottish Rite in Charlotte; subsequently becoming a member of the Oasis Temple of the Order of the Shrine. Johnny was a member of the Catawba Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. He was a life-long member of Catawba United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities. Johnny enjoyed water skiing, fishing, hunting, golf, vacationing at the lake or beach and being with friends and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Chester (Elsie Elmore) Penninger Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Ray (Mabel Elmore) Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Blake (Polly Elmore) Alley, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne (Ruby Elmore) Lowrance, Mr. and Mrs. Ray (Billie Elmore) Lowrance and Mr. John L. Rufty Sr.
Those left to cherish his memory is his sister Ms. Faye Elmore Rufty of Catawba; former wife Ms. Judy Setzer Elmore of the home; daughter Ms. Kristin Paige Elmore of the home; and granddaughter Miss Keara Ann Elgamal of the home.
A service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 4 p.m. at Catawba United Methodist Church in Catawba. Rev. Heetae Kim will officiate. Burial with masonic rites will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Catawba United Methodist Church. Those serving as pallbearers are John Rufty Jr., Trent Cloninger, Steve Thorneburg, Donnie Houston, Charles Conner IV, Phillip Spencer, Jody Robinson, and Alec Rufty. Members of Riverside Lodge #606 in Catawba will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Town of Catawba: First Responder Garden of Honor, P.O. Box 70, Catawba, NC 28609.
The family would like to thank Johnny’s nephew, Donald Robinson, for his assistance with preparations.
Condolences may be sent to the Elmore family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com
Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Elmore family.
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