John Russell McElhany, 59, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021. He was born on August 8, 1961, in Lewistown, Pa., to Nancy Jane Alexander McElhany and the late John Peter McElhany.

John was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and Penn State Nittany Lions as well as sitting around the fire pit with a cigar. He adored his wife, children and his puppy, Ginger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Ann Johnson McElhany; sons, John “Johnny” Taylor McElhany of Coralville, Iowa, James “Jimmy” Russell McElhany of Mooresville; sisters, Teresa Jane Merryman (Lynne) of Port Matilda, Pa., Marsha Jane DiFrango (Ron) of Midlothian, Va.; nieces and nephews, Michael Merryman, Alicia Wrye (Josh), Cassie DiFrango, and Caroline DiFrango; great niece, Taylor Wrye; great nephews, Landon Wrye and Levi Wrye.

A graveside service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. with full military honors at Glenwood Memorial Park with Rev. Gary Sowell officiating.

The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

For those who are unable to attend the graveside, you may go to the following link for the live stream https://www.facebook.com/CavinCookFuneralHomeServices/

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the McElhany family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.