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. [Read more…]