Elwood Cash, 86 of Churchville passed away peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, surrounded by his children.

He was born on August 9, 1934 in Staunton, the seventh child of the late Richard Henley and Carrie Belle (Bartley) Cash.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear friend and mother of his children, Shirley Wright McKee; three brothers, Jesse Cash, Herbert Cash, and Robert Cash; three sisters, Mae Shull, Frances Fitzgerald, and Louise Fitzgerald.

Survivors include a sister, Hazel Tankesley of Staunton; four children, Victoria Graff of Staunton, James R. Cash of Staunton, Sandra Kalina and husband, Lou of Staunton, and Karrie McCray of Greensboro, NC and her dear companion Charlton Boyd of GA. Elwood had six grandchildren, Ashleigh Martin Burcham and husband Billy, Lindsay Botkin Miller and husband, Travis "Tee", Alka Caroline "Cara" Martin, Tyler Cash Fox and his wife, Andrea, Logan McCray Maxwell and her husband, Carl, and Walker "Cash" McCray. He had seven great-grandchildren, Jace C. Martin, Hannah Marie Martin, Payton Miller, Canon Miller, Boone Miller, Joseph Creed Martin, and Mazi Minnie Fox.

Elwood was the proud owner of Wright's Dairy Rite in Staunton to which he devoted his life and energy for over 60 years. He attended Wilson Memorial High School Class of 1953 where he made many lifelong friends and where he earned the moniker "Lash Cash". He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1954 with his best friend, Dudley Harman. They completed basic training at Parrish Island, SC and loved to tell stories about their shared adventures. Elwood was a good athlete and played sports into adulthood. One of the fondest memories was being the catcher for his nephew, Raymond Shull, in the fast pitch leagues.

Elwood was a member of Linden Heights Baptist Church for 50 years. He was member of the Augusta Lions Club. He was known as an avid Washington Redskins fan and loved University of Virginia teams and sports in general.

Elwood counted his greatest accomplishments as his children and family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, brother, and uncle. He created moments and memories that will last a lifetime for those blessed to be in his loving brood. From vacations where he was the only adult with a herd of grandchildren to Dollywood to the annual early morning phone calls on your birthday when he would sing happy birthday to his children and grandchildren. He loved deeply and created for his children a home where they felt happy and safe knowing that no matter what came knocking their father would shelter them.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in Thornrose Cemetery by Pastors Mike Fitzgerald and Luke Smith.

Active pallbearers will be John Tankesley, Joe Tankesley, Forest Wright, Randy Powell, Grady Swink, and Ricky Landes.

(Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all current guidelines and restrictions will be followed.)

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, Virginia is in charge of his arrangements.

MESSAGE FROM FAMILY
The children of James Elwood Cash have decided to cancel the indoor church service scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Linden Heights Baptist Church. We will have the funeral service graveside at 11:00 a.m. in Thornrose Cemetery. We make this decision out of respect, concern and safety for his many friends and family, as this virus continues to grow in our community. This point was driven home to our family today with the loss of someone very dear to our family. Our father knew he had many who loved and cared for him and we know he would want everyone to remain safe at this challenging time. We appreciate the support and kindness you have offered to us over the past days and hold you in our hearts.
Vicki, Jim, Sandy and Karrie