Walter Conway Elledge, 79, of Ware Shoals, was called home on February 23, 2026 at McCormick Post-Acute after an extended illness.
Strong as an oak, Walter lived a colorful, adventurous life. An Army veteran, Walter completed basic training at Fort Jackson and spent time in El Paso, TX before receiving an honorable discharge in 1966. He was also a member of Ware Shoals First Presbyterian Church and a graduate of Greenville Tech’s welding program.
For more than thirty years, he worked faithfully as a welder for companies across the Upstate, including Mauldin Manufacturers, B.F. Shaw, and Anderson Metals. Prior to his welding career, he worked at Riegel Textile Mill in Ware Shoals.
Walter spent much of his time in the great outdoors, fishing, gardening, and birdwatching. A lover of country music, Walter loved playing his guitar and singing karaoke at local venues with his children, their friends, and his brother, Robert. Many of his family’s favorite memories with him took place around a table, each plate piled high with his favorite southern comfort foods.
Throughout his life, Walter endured the kinds of tragedies that determine a man’s character. He has earned the respect and admiration of his family and loved ones for his resilience, sensitivity, and open-hearted nature in the face of his life’s greatest trials.
Walter is eternally, unconditionally cherished and missed by his family, friends, and loved ones.
Surviving are two daughters, Mellissa Lee-Smith, of Waterford, Ireland, and Carly Elledge, of Honea Path, and their mother, Tonya Deitsch, of Honea Path; one son, Joey Elledge of Myrtle Beach; one sister, Mary Ann Babb of Ware Shoals; and one brother, Edward Elledge of Simpsonville.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin Allen Elledge and Pearl Lethia McCullough Elledge Vaughn, both of Ware Shoals; four sisters, Edna Brown of Knoxville, TN, Clara McDaniel of Columbus, GA, Amelia “Millie” Davis of Laurens, and Rebecca “Becky” Arnett of Ware Shoals; and three brothers, Benjamin Elledge of Rayford, NC, Robert Elledge of Greenwood, and Joe Elledge of Honea Path.
Arrangements will be held at Ware Shoals First Presbyterian Church on Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2026, 2–4 PM.
The Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
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