Arthur “Elwood “Mabes, age 88, of Etowah passed away peacefully at Star Regional Hospital on December 18, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Sarah “Granny” Evans. He was a self-employed concrete finisher.
Elwood’s life was filled with blessings and his faith in God was unwavering. Though he was a man of few words, his Love of Christ was always visible in everything he did. He was devoted to the Word of God and through that dedication, read the complete Bible up to 10 times per year for a countless number of years.
He was a member of Coghill Baptist Church for more than 73 years. He served as Sunday School Adult Teacher, Training Union Adult Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and was on many of the committees each year. He took great pride in caring for the church grounds and cemetery for over 20 years. He loved worshipping the Lord and would intentionally tell his daughter, Winona, “we can only schedule vacation for “Monday through Saturday ”so to be sure not to miss a Sunday Service.
Elwood was also a man who loved his country. He gave 41 years of his life proudly serving in the Army and National Guard both in Etowah and in Sweetwater. He was a World War II Veteran, and an active member of American Legion Post II, where he served in various positions over the years.
He especially enjoyed working the annual Christmas Turkey Shoot in Etowah and was a staple in that event for decades. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 5146 in Athens.
He was preceded in death by his mother; his wife, Bonnie Mabes and one daughter-in-law Mary Mabes.
Survivors include two daughters, Winona Howard and her husband Larry of Athens, Renee Bain and her husband Jimmy of Athens; three sons, Allen and Keith of Etowah, Doug and wife Pam Mabes of Athens. Eight grandchildren, Lance Howard of Wisconsin; Angie Tate and her husband Adam of Athens, Chris Mabes of Nashville; Beth Mager and husband Kevin of Athens, Chelsey Bain of Athens and her fiancée Ben Osburn , Tiffany, Douglas and Rebecca Sisk of Athens; 10 great grandchildren; and a special cousin , Jean Shopshire of Stoneville, NC. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Staff of Starr Regional Medical Center of Athens for their compassionate care.
A celebration of Elwood’s life will be conducted Monday, December 21, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Brother Joe Hatcher and Brother Jerry Stephens officiating. Interment will be Tuesday at 12 noon at Coghill Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors and a White dove release ceremony will conclude the services.
The family will receive friends from 5-7:30 p.m. on Monday prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Coghill Baptist Church CEMETERY Fund.
Visit the Mabes family guestbook and leave a message of comfort.