JESSIE ‘BUDDY’ ELDER

Savannah, TN: Jessie Wayne Elder age 81, passed away September 30, 2026, at his home.

He was born November 30, 1944, in Jackson, TN and was raised in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Jessie Wayne Elder, Sr. and Virginia Keen Elder. He went to school in Chicago and graduated from Reavis High School in 1964.

He started driving a truck in 1970 and had driven eighteen wheelers ever since. He started local hauling and long hauling later. He moved in 1973 and made his home in TN. He married Brenda Kirk in 1992. They made their home in Jackson and later moved to Savannah, TN. He was a Baptist in belief.

He rode a Harley Davidson Motorcycle with Golden Circle HOG Chapter of Jackson.

He liked deer and squirrel hunting.

Mr. Elder is survived by his wife, Brenda Kirk Elder of Savannah; two daughters, Debbie Click (Archie) of Pinson and Tammy Surratt (Greg) of Jackson, TN; a stepdaughter, Melissa Rowland (the late Marty Rowland) of Henderson, TN; and a stepson, Jason Martin of Nashville, TN; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren and two sisters, Charlotte Smith of Medina and Martha Watkins of Jackson, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services to be announced at this time