Johnny Ray Elston

Obituary For Johnny Ray Elston

A celebration of life for Mr. Johnny Ray Elston, 70, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Jenifer Cemetery. Mr. Elston will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at the funeral home.

On February 13, 1951, in Talladega County, Alabama, William L. Elston and Edwina Elston welcomed a son, JOHNNY RAY, to their family!

JOHNNY RAY grew up in Munford, Alabama. His earliest worship experiences occurred at Jenifer Church of Christ. As an adult, JOHNNY RAY became a member of Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. His final church home was Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he devotedly served as the chairman of the Trustee Board. JOHNNY RAY was a dedicated member; always willing to serve and assist in any capacity for the purposes of building up the Kingdom of God.

Although JOHNNY RAY faced some health challenges, he victoriously overcame those obstacles and established his own life adaptations. It became customary for him to pull up in his truck, honk the horn if necessary, and in his booming monotone voice, heavily marked with an undeniable southern drawl that could be heard long before you actually saw him, MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN! He had a personality as grand as his stature. Though his facial expression could have been interpreted as intimidating, HE GENUINELY LOVED PEOPLE! His greatest ministry was interacting (“CUTTIN’ UP”) with everyone who crossed his path. Whether you knew him as JOHNNY RAY, BIG JOHN, MR. ELSTON, PAW PAW, UNCLE JOHNNY, or DADDY he was a remarkable human.

JOHNNY RAY was a member of the 1968 graduating class of Ophelia S. Hill High School. During his time in school, he was known to be a fantastic basketball player.

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, the Lord determined it was the day and the hour to call JOHNNY RAY home. He was preceded in passing by his wife: Barbara Elston; his parents: William L. and Edwina Elston; his stepmother: Evelyn Elston; six siblings: Maurice Elston, Kenneth Elston, Michael Elston, Ruby “Nell” Elston, Charles Elston, and Bessie Ball; and his stepdaughter: Sara Yvonne Moton.

JOHNNY RAY leaves precious memories in the hearts of his two children: Yolanda (Titus) Best of Tamuning, Guam and Johnny “Ray Ray” Elston, II, of Anniston, Alabama; six grandchildren: Titus “T.K.” Best, Jr., Johnnya Raye Best, Jakayla Rae Elston, Avah Raye Elston, Brandon (Jazmia) Moton, and Frankie “Jay” Moton (Alex); three great-grandchildren: Madison, Jaylon, and Kash; four bonus children: Shay Vannoy, Jasmine Vannoy, Antoine McClellan, and Andrea McClellan; three sisters: Annie R. Terrell of Talladega, Alabama, Cindy Richey of Eastaboga, Alabama, and Linda Elston of Munford, Alabama; three brothers: Lamar (Dianne) Elston of High Point, North Carolina, David (Wanda) Elston of Talladega, Alabama, and Thomas (Gussie) Chapman of Maywood, Illinois; a special friend: Cynthia Elston of Talladega, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.