Jeff Elder

Jeffery Lee Elder, age 68, of Nashville, TN, passed away on Tuesday, November 4th, at 7:30 A.M. He was being treated at the Dogwood Nursing Home in Milan, TN. Jeff was born in Casper, Wyoming on September 14th, 1956. Later in the 60s, the Elder family migrated to Martin, TN where Ross Elder was to be a coach at the college and Kathleen Elder was in public education. Jeff grew up to become a popular football and basketball star. He even played baseball for a quick minute. However, football was Jeff’s passion. He was a part of the historic 42-0 event at Martin/Westview High School. He graduated high school in 1974 and went on to play football at UTM as well as Murray State.

Later Jeff headed to the oil fields of Wyoming where his grandparents, aunt and uncle lived. He was an oil rigger there for several years. Back in Tennessee he met and married Susan. They had a daughter named Amy Beth. They traveled to Hawaii, and he worked pouring concrete as a part of building Interstate I in Honolulu. After Hawaii, Jeff ended up in California for a spell continuing working in construction. He built several beautiful mountain cabins while he was there.

In 2005 Jeff moved to Nashville. He lived with his mom until her death in 2022. His daughter is an LSU graduate and during his years in Nashville he traveled to Louisiana many times going to the football games. You rarely saw Jeff without his purple and gold on!! He was a hard-core Tiger fan!

Sadly, Jeff’s physical and mental health declined, as he struggled with early onset dementia. He was placed in the Dogwood Nursing Home in 2024.

Jeff Elder loved Wyoming and Montana. His ashes will be spread there at some point. He leaves his daughter Amy Beth and her family. Amy has a wonderful husband, Josh, 2 children, Sean, his grandson, and Olivia, his granddaughter who has his beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair. His sisters, Lynn and Kelli still reside in Seattle, Washington.

We ask that you remember the good times you had with Jeff and keep the memories close to your heart. There will be no formal services. We ask if you want, to donate in his name to any CTE foundation or dementia research.

There will be no services held at this time.

Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121