Bro. Ruben William McElrath Sr., son of the late Ulysses Grant McElrath and Lucille Walker McElrath was born on October 1, 1921 in Greer SC. He was one of 12 children born to Ulysses and Lucille. He returned to his heavenly home of August 28, 2016. After completing his elementary and secondary education, he was drafted in the US Army at the outset of World War II. He assisted the war efforts in Germany and was discharged honorably in 1946.  It was in the Army that Ruben honed his culinary skills that his learned during his childhood. Ruben later enrolled in North Carolina A&T College and earned a degreepoultry science. Ruben was an outstanding student and was offered a position at the Poultry farm in 1951.  He progressed and was named supervisor, a role he held until 2003 giving over 54 years of service.  Ruben was wed to Delia Ruth McBee in 1950. From the union they produced three children. They provided a loving, nurturing environment for the children stressing the benefits of education and community service. Ruben was active in community organizations including the James Doak Lodge No. 1422 in Greensboro.  Ruben was been active in the church throughout his adult life. Delia after seeing an article in the newspaper on the Boys Basketball team from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (which was later renamed St. Maryâ??s) winning the state basketball championship for parochial  schools decided to visit the church and soon joined the historic African-American congregation. Ruben served the church as a Boy Scout Leader and AssistantBasketball Coach until the school closed in 1971.  That same year Ruben converted to Catholicism. He continued to serve the church and later joined the Knights of Columbus 8684 where he was treasurer until his health forced him to step down. Ruben is best known in the community for his prowess as a chef. He has blessed countless groups with his expertise in the kitchen. He developed dinner rolls and cinnamon buns that were â??manna from heavenâ?? to all who had a chance to sample them.  A little known fact about Ruben is the work he did as a mentor and friend to young people. He was a popular supervisor for work study students at A&T. One product of this relationship was his friendship with Leon Moses the current Superintendentof North Carolina A&T University farm.  Ruben had a great love for North Carolina A&T and worked beyond his duties as an employee. For many years he was the caretaker for â??Aggieâ?? the live mascot for the school. After Deliaâ??s passing in 1977, Dr. Johnny Hodge approached Ruben to become a chaperone for the North Carolina A&T, Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Ruben flourished if this role since it allowed him to support the school and continue to mentor students. Ruben was a part of the Blue and Gold family until the year 2002. The last twelve years of his life, he shared with his extended family at Heartland Living and Rehabilitation Center.  He continued to live life to the fullest. In 2009 he started cooking again in the therapy room, cinnamon buns, his famous â??Mac & Cheeseâ?? and more.  He had a garden in the courtyard. Leon Moses was the faithful assistant, and the garden produce many vegetables including â??Redâ?? okra.  Ruben was the President of the Residence Council and was the top salesman during the Knights of Columbus annual fruit sale. Ruben was proceeded in death by: his wife Delia and his son Lloyd Anthony, Sr., his granddaughter Zeeta; Brothers Benny Fred, Alfred, Eugene, Ulysses, and Alexander; Sisters, Lois, Louise, Marie, and Sarah. Ruben is survived by his daughter and devoted caregiver Delannie McElrath of the home and his son Rev. Ruben W. McElrath Jr. (Janis) of Wilmington DE; Grandchildren David,Minister Tori, Keeta and Lloyd Anthony, Jr; brother George A. McElrath of Taylors SC and Sister Eunice Gambrell of Pittsburg PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A service honoring his life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church;812 Duke Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401. The visitation will begin at 1:30 pm and the service will follow at 2:00 pm. The interment will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery; 202 Government Road, Salisbury, North Carolina, 28144 on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:00 am.