Ronnie D. Elam, 82, of Vandalia, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 05, 2026 at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 08, 2026 at Unity Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Lawson officiating. Interment will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Van Burensburg. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday, at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Bond County Humane Society. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Ronnie Dean Elam was born on July 11, 1943, in Shafter Township, Fayette County, Illinois, the son of George W. and Edna B. (Kleinik) Elam. On September 14, 1963, he married the love of his life, Mildred Irene “Millie” Browning. Together they welcomed one son and shared a loving marriage spanning more than six decades.
Ronnie dedicated more than 40 years of service to Ralston Purina before his retirement. Known for his lighthearted nature and wonderful sense of humor, he never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He was an avid hunter who cherished the time he spent camping with his family, creating countless memories together over the years.
A man of deep faith, Ronnie was a devoted member of Temple Baptist Church, now known as Unity Baptist Church. Throughout more than 60 years of faithful service, he served as a deacon, trustee, choir director, and Sunday school teacher. His unwavering commitment to his church and congregation reflected the servant’s heart with which he lived his life.
Mr. Elam is survived by his wife Millie Elam of Vandalia; son, Brian Elam and wife Tricia of Vandalia; granddaughter, Kacey and husband Ryan Fiscus of Jackson, TN; sister, Anna Keeling of Missouri; sister-in-law, Neva Elam of Mulberry Grove; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; twin brother, Donnie Elam; brother, George “Junior” Elam; sisters, Doris Elam and Evelyn Hecht; nephew, Brent Elam; and niece, Sherri Elam.
Online Condolences & Obituaries available at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Arrangements by Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL
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