Obituary of Joe Harold Eller

J. Harold Eller, age 79, of Boone, passed away Friday morning, September 11, 2020. Born December 17, 1940 in Watauga County, he was a son of Willard and Eunice Adams Eller. Harold was a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church, but loved visiting all Watauga County churches. After serving a tour in the US Air Force, Harold began his employment with Mountain Farm Credit in Jefferson and Boone as a loan officer before retiring as the branch manager. After love of family, his greatest joy in life was blue grass music and trips to Montana. Harold faithfully served his community as a member of the Deep Gap Ruritan Club for many years, as well as a member and chairman of the Advisory Council of the Appalachian Senior Companion Program. He also served on the board of the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department. Harold is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy Hollar Eller; son, Kevin Eller and wife, Anna, of Fleetwood; daughter, Risa Graiger and husband, Mike, of College Grove, TN; grandsons, Joseph and James Eller of Fleetwood and Christian Waters and April Proffitt, and her daughter, Carly, of Navarre, FL; granddaughters, Addie Eller of Fleetwood and Chastin Bryson and husband, Tyler, of Nashville, TN; great granddaughter, Graylyn Bryson of Nashville, TN; niece, Kimberly Toal of Fox Island, WA; bonus children, Shaun Farthing, Cindy Farthing, Jim and Kathy Weaver and Tina Farthing; bonus grandchildren, Chris and Amber Farthing, Brad Farthing, Robert and Chelsea Ward, and Amber Ward; bonus great-grandchildren, Tristin Nardi, Alexis Nardi, Ava Hodges and Micaelyn Ward; and brother and sisters-in-laws, Dale and Betty Greene, Bob and Janette Hollar and Reba Eller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ted and Carson Eller; father and mother-in-law, Lige and Selma Hollar; and his life-long friend, Stan Smith. Graveside services for Harold Eller will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, September 15, at 2 o'clock, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. Officiating will be Bill Hartley, Rev. Robert Ward, Rev. Dr. Andrew Rawls, and a special poem by Risa Graiger. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family respectfully requests those attending graveside services, please observe social distancing and to wear a mask. Anyone wishing to pay their respects and sign the guest register book may do so Monday from noon until 5 PM at Austin & Barnes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Deep Gap Ruritan Club, in care of Elaine Davis, 256 Somerset Dr., Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Eller family.