William Harrison Elder of Siler City, age 92, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026. A lifelong resident of Siler City, he was the son of the late Harland H. Elder and Nell Welch Elder.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Meadows Elder; stepdaughter, Lisa Meadows Barbee and her husband, Dale, of Siler City; stepsons, William David Sellers and his wife, Janie, of Burlington, NC and Kendall Ernest Sellers and his wife, Vicki, of Stephens City, VA; step-grandchildren, Whitt Sellers and his wife, Chrissy, Taylor Barbee, Chelsea Barbee, Jameson Sellers, Sasha Sellers Boyd and her husband, Ryan, Kiersten Cohen, Miranda Pirchuski and her husband, T.J.; five step-greatgrandchildren, Jacqueline, Kinsleigh, Felix, Brady and Ember. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Elder Harris; along with eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Sara Walker Elder; sisters, Jenny Elder Fitch and Ruth Elder Phillips; and his step-granddaughter, Christine Sellers.

Bill achieved numerous milestones throughout his life. He attended public schools in Siler City and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After completing his education, he returned to Siler City. During his career, he was President of Elder Oil Company, Elder Heating and Air and Elder Electric. He also served for a time as Communications Director for Chatham County. He later taught computer courses at Central Carolina Community College. Bill was proud of his service to our country. He served many years as Commander of the Army National Guard and then as a member of the Army Reserve. He was assigned to the Signal Corp and was appointed to serve some time at the Pentagon. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Bill was devoted to his community. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught an adult Sunday School class for many years. His leadership extended to various organizations. He was a member and former Secretary of the Masonic lodge, member and past Worthy Patron and past Secretary of Eastern Star Chapter, past President of the Jaycees, past President of Lions Club, former Commander of the American Legion, past member of Rotary Club and Chatham County Wildlife Club. He was a charter member of the Siler City Country Club. His hobbies included photography, painting, gourmet cooking, building model ships, reading and working Sudoku puzzles.

A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church at 1101 W. Raleigh Street, Siler City, NC on Saturday, March 14, at 2:00PM, followed by a visitation and reception in the church fellowship hall. A private family graveside service with military honors will precede the church service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church or the Randolph Honor Guard.

First United Methodist Church                                                                                                                                                                                      1101 W. Raleigh Street                                                                                                                                                                                                 Siler City, NC 27344                                                                                                                                                                                       https://fumcsilercity.org

RANDOLPH COUNTY HONOR GUARD                                                                                                                                                                      P.O. BOX 1672                                                                                                                                                                                                      ASHEBORO, NC 27204-1672                                                                                                                                https://www.randolphcountyhonorguard.com

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Elder.