Elmer Eugene Carathers was born on January 17, 1936, in Floydada, Texas, and passed away on March 9, 2021, at his home in Centerville, Tennessee. He was 85 years old.

He is the son of the late Elmer D. Carathers and Mildred Waldeen McPeak Carathers.

He was also preceded in death by his sister Frances Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ruth Ann Rochelle Carathers of Centerville. Sons, James Dean Carathers (Debbie) of Smyrna, John Thomas Carathers (Kathie) of Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, and Robert Lee Carathers (Sarah) of Spring Hill, Tennessee. Daughter, Mary Ann Monday (Larry) of Nunnelly, Tennessee. Step-Daughters, Tina Lynn DeVore (Russell) of Fairview, and Tracey Rochelle Outman of (Matthew) of Old Hickory. Step-son, Christopher Neil Martin of Lyles. Grandchildren, Ashley, JaDee, Johnny, James, Natasha, Phillip, Brittney, Dalton, Emily, Lynette, Katie, Claire, Kendall, Sorrell, Madelyn, and Alyssa. Great Grandchildren, Lila, Brody, Lucy, Wyatt, Ethan, Alice, Luke, Taylor, Danielle, and Beau. Several nieces and nephews. Along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. Carathers worked for 38 years for the Ford Glass Plant as a Millwright and a maintenance supervisor.

He was a member of the Fairfield Church of Christ. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. He has been a member of the John B. Garrett Lodge 711 in Nashville, Tennessee since 1954. He rode horses for the Shriners.

He was a proud patriot and served in the National Guard.

He loved to hunt deer. He loved collecting many things including guns, knives, Confederate Civil War memorabilia, and guitars. He was very creative and made over 50 guitars, many knives, and custom saddles. He also customized several of his guns in his collection, which also included a number of original antiques. Mr. Carathers was also a musician, he was offered a 4 years scholarship to play trombone at Belmont University. He then later took up playing and picking guitar, which naturally led to making his own. When he saw something that he wanted he would come home and set out to make it himself.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1:30 PM in the McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County chapel with burial to follow in Lowes Bend Cemetery.