Obituary: Orville B. Ely

Orville B. Ely, age 89, passed away Saturday, May 17, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. A resident of Oak Ridge since 1968, Orville had lived at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville since 2012.

He was born Aug. 1, 1924, in Middlesboro, Ky., where he lived until entering the Army during World War II. He proudly served as an Army combat veteran of Anzio and Southern France, where he was severely wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart along with other commendations.

Orville was a devoted member of Royce Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, where he enjoyed the fellowship of many friends.

Prior to his retirement, Orville was employed by Oak Ridge Tool and Engineering.

In 1987, Orville was united in marriage to Ruby Carnes Locke, who survives him and also resides at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home.

Other survivors are stepson, Matthew Locke and wife Connie of Barboursville, Ky.; stepdaughter, Kaye Elmore and husband Don of Oak Ridge; and special friends Merrell and Sheila Carnes of Crossville; grandchildren Michelle and Michael; and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, devoted sisters-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

The family received friends at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, May 20, from 5- 7 p.m., with the funeral service following at 7 p.m. with Pastor Mike Harbin of Royce Baptist Church. Interment and graveside service were held Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in the Barbourville Cemetery in Barbourville, Ky.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans or Royce Baptist Church.

The family extends special thanks to the outstanding staff and caregivers of Ben Atchley State Veterans Home for their loving care and attention to Orville, our Mother and family, also to Dan Skidmore for his devoted visits and friendship.

Orville was a special man with a great capacity of love, humility and grace, having always kind words and a gentle smile for others. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, dad, and friend and will be greatly missed from our lives.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.