Robert "Papaw Bobby" Harrison McElrath

Robert Harrison McElrath, “Papaw Bobby” of Candler, NC was born on December 19th, 1951- has passed away on August 21st, 2025 at the age of 73 at Mission Hospital. He was preceded in death by (Father) Leonard McElrath, (Mother) Golda McElrath, (Brother) Harold “Ray” Hensley, (Sister) Glenda “Gail” Reece, (Brother-in-Law) Mac Reece. He is survived by Ernestine Penland (ex-wife) and matriarch of the family; daughters Angela Almendinger (Scotty) and Tina McElrath (Wendy, she is appreciated for every helpful things she did for Bobby); nephew Vance Reece (Annie); six grandchildren- Edward Bishop, Anthony Messer, Brittany Bishop, Kenny Bishop (Alexis), Miranda Melton (Tristian) and Angelica Bishop (Earl); and thirteen great grandchildren: four spoiled girls and nine rambunctious boys. Robert was employed at the Biltmore Estate for 31 years in multiple departments. He was the “Garden King”, and he had the greenest thumb of anyone we’ve ever known. Papaw Bobby was as strong as an ox and as stubborn as a mule with a heart bigger than his belly. One of his greatest passions was watching wrestling and he firmly believed in being a hard worker.

Service Info:  Funeral Services are being provided by Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services. Services will be held on Monday 08/25/2025 at 2pm at Hice Hill Cemetery (graveside only).

Our family would like to say a very huge “Thank You” to Vance and especially his wife Annie Reece for all the help and time spent with Papaw Bobby in his final years. We would also like to give a special mention to his home health caregivers Carlee Bullock and Jackie Speer, as well as the exceptional team at Mission MICU.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tina McElrath to help cover incurred medical expenses at: PO Box 1592, Enka, NC 28728.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Papaw Bobby" Harrison McElrath, please visit our floral store.