It is with deep regret and sadness that the family announces the death of Philip Ramseur Elam on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Phil, as he was known to his many friends and family, was only 65 when we lost him. Phil was born on August 1, 1950, in Asheville, NC, to now deceased parents, Julia English Roberts Elam and Philip Ramseur Elam, Sr., known to many as PR.
Phil is survived by two sisters: Julia Ann Elam Mackie (Martin/deceased) of Winston-Salem, NC; and Janis Lucile Elam Blackwell (Eric) of Lubbock, TX. His nephews and niece are David Elam Blackwell of Koh Phangan, Thailand; Jonathan Eric Blackwell (Angela Nash) of Lubbock, TX; and Janis Elizabeth Elam Blackwell (Rich Ambrose) and Phil's great-nephew, Jacobson Eric Ambrose of Antigua, Guatemala.
His family includes both Roberts and Elam cousins who are more like siblings. He is survived by many dear friends, church members, and neighbors of Antrim Glen and especially Glen Lake Drive, Hoschton, GA.
Phil was a 1973 graduate of Mars Hill College (University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Administration. Before his career at NCR he was an Import/Export Representative of H. Putsch & Company in Hagen, Germany. After Germany, Phil was Data Services Representative at First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans, LA. Phil worked at NCR Corporation, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, for over thirty years. During his early years at NCR, Phil worked as a Business Analysis in Dayton, Ohio supporting his many customers across the United States. Like many of his colleagues, Phil learned the business by traveling from one end of the country to the other. He spent more time supporting the clients at their sites than he did at his home in Dayton, Ohio. Phil held several Sales and Support Management positions in the NCR US Domestic Business.
In the mid-nineteen eighties, Phil began his experience in the NCR International Business. He moved to Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, as part of the NCR Middle East team. He also spent several years working in the Latin America market both in Sales and Support Management positions. Phil loved life! He contributed significantly to the business of NCR with his life career. He traveled the world and enjoyed the good things in life. We will sorely miss Mr. Phil Elam.
(The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Phil's NCR co-workers and friends, Charlie Savage and Jim Cole, for compiling his NCR years. Phil valued your friendship as well as that of Don Finfrock and his other friends through his years with NCR and into his retirement.)
Per his request, Phil's body was cremated, and he will have both a memorial service at his church in GA and a graveside service beside his parents in NC. The memorial service will be in Bethlehem, GA,at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church at 2:00 on Friday, June 17, 2016. The Senior Pastor, Reverend Frank Bernat, will officiate. The address is 709 Christmas Avenue 20620.
The graveside service will be in Mars Hill, NC, at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:00 on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The Reverend Doctor Tommy Justus, Senior Pastor, will officiate. The address is Cemetery Drive 28754.
Phil was a member of Dayton Masonic Lodge, No. 147, Dayton, Ohio. He was honored to follow a great-grandfather, Stephen D. Roberts and a grandfather, Stephen B. Roberts, as a Mason. Last Masonic Rites will be conducted at graveside by French Broad Masonic Lodge, No. 282, Marshall, NC, the Lodge of his grandfathers.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in memory of Phil Elam to either Bethlehem First UMC, 709 Christmas Avenue, Bethlehem, GA 30620 or S Roberts Cemetery Maintenance Association, PO Box 414, Marshall, NC 28753.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

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