Elmer Joseph Crain, age 88, of Farner, TN passed away in the Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA after a short illness. With his family by his side, he went to his Heavenly home on Monday, March 15, 2021. Elmer was born in Unaka, NC on August 17, 1932 to the late Lucius and Bertha (Bryson) Crain. At an early age, he worked with his dad logging and then clearing state right-of-ways for west of Murphy, NC. He eventually left the area to work for GM in Cleveland, OH building airplane parts. Elmer worked as a laborer for Nello Teer which took him to Keflavik, Iceland rebuilding the U.S. airbase alongside the Army Corps of Engineers. He then worked in New York on the George Washington Bridge when the second level was added; he then moved on to Plattsburgh, NY where he worked on the Silos for the U.S. missiles and from there to Niagra Falls where he worked on the Niagra Power Plant Project. Starting in 1966, Elmer worked for several major contractors in the state of Connecticut as an Operating Engineer and a was member of Local #478 before ending his extensive working career and retiring to Tennessee. Elmer was a Christian and a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Loved by many, Elmer had a multitude of friends which in itself is a testimony of his life. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Lucius and Bertha (Bryson) Crain; sister, Lois Crain, Rooks; brothers, Frank Crain, Don Crain, Lloyd Crain, and Lonnie Crain; nieces, Rhonda Byers and Wendy Crain; and nephew, Mike Eller. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary (Teri) Crain of Farner, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Geoffrey and Nikki Cole of Sweeterwater, TN; 5 nieces, 5 nephews, several great nieces and great nephews; and long-time friends, Jack Reid and Lloyd Womack. He will be greatly missed, but in all our hearts forever. Funeral services were conducted Friday, March 19, 2021 from the Shoal Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Beavers officiating. Music was provided by Mitch and Angie Prince. Pallbearers were John Crain, Patrick Crain, Jeff Crain, Drew Holman, Chuck Hickey, and Tyler Jory. Honorary pallbearer was Sydney Hickey. Interment followed in the Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of arrangements. Funeral Service Shoal Creek Baptist Church Friday, March 19, 2021 2:00 PM 10 Wehutty RoadMurphy, NC 28906 Directions