Lennie Lyle Elder, Jr.

Lennie Lyle Elder, Jr., was born September 14, 1936, and passed away on February 11, 2026, at Johnston-Willis Hospital. He suffered with back issues, limiting his mobility. He was very independent, active person who elected to have risky surgery to improve his mobility. Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful.

Lennie was born in Farmville, Virginia, to Lennie and Louise Elder. He spent his childhood on the family tobacco farm in Dinwiddie and attended Sunnyside McKenney High School. After high school he worked with the family on the farm for a few years before taking a job as a machinist at Firestone Industries in Hopewell. He worked as a machinist for more than 40 years.

Lennie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his dear wife, Nancy Rideout Elder, who passed away in 2016, after 58 Years of marriage; and also by his brother, Melvin Elder. He is survived by his brother, Larry (Donna); sister, Jean Wells; sister-in-law, Aubrey Elder; brother-in-law, M.C.  Simmons; and a number of nieces and nephews. These include a special great nephew, Kevin Harris, who was a frequent companion. After Kevin and his family moved to Nebraska, Lennie took a solo road trip to visit him; relatives in Kentucky, and friends in West Virginia and Chicago, a great accomplishment at the age of 87.

Lennie was a devoted member of the Old Hickory Hunt Club. He loved Bluegrass music and traveled around the state to hear different performers. He was also an avid NASCAR fan. Lennie will be remembered as a great neighbor-he spent his later years providing support to friends and family who needed rides, handyman services, or just some company. The family will receive friends at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be private. Flowers are welcome or contributions can be made to Old Hickory Hunt Club in memory of Lennie.