William Ernest McElya

William Ernest McElya, known to everyone as Bill, 79, passed away on Wednesday October 15, 2025, surrounded by family, at his home in High Point, KY where he spent his life. He was born on March 26,1946 the son of the late Noel D. McElya and Lucille Crenshaw McElya. He was a retired member of IBEW Local #816 and a long-time employee and lineman for JPECC until becoming disabled after a long career of troubleshooting power lines.
 
He was a well-established sight around High Point for many years thereafter. Doing his brand of troubleshooting High Point for the rest of his life. Usually seen in a Blazer which somehow changed over the years without really changing colors, and a black dog which also somehow changed over the years and yet didn’t really.
 
He was never bashful but there was never any doubt where you stood. If he didn’t like you, it wasn’t a secret. Often over the years during a snowstorm, he would clean every driveway nearby. Except for that guy that threw the trash out with the mail in it. He secretly helped people behind the scenes sometimes. A loan here or there or Christmas gifts for kids unrelated to him because he knew they wouldn’t have any otherwise. He was a jack of all trades and a master of a lot of them. After the big ice storm in January 2009, he replaced fuses getting people lights that would have otherwise waited weeks. That’s also where he climbed his last pole. After falling flat on his back from about 6’ high, he declared he would never climb another, a vow he upheld.
 
He had an almost perfect memory of the past. Especially if the memory was embarrassing for the other person. Including the shirt they were wearing, the song on the radio etc. If he was your friend, he was loyal. He enjoyed helping people who were willing to help themselves. He was a fair man but often very blunt.
 
He is survived by his devoted wife Catherine Galloway McElya and stepson, David Galloway who leaves Bill a step granddaughter and step great grandson. Cathy cared and nurtured Bill with unwavering compassion and support throughout the decline of his health. Creating a debt to Cathy his family will never be able to repay.
 
He is also survived by one brother, Jerry (Judy) McElya, and three sisters, Janice Pace (Ted), Faye Brewer Spillman, and Linda Sue Fowler (Gary). He was preceded in death by one sister, Agnes Butler.
 
He was preceded in death by his only daughter, Melody Ann McElya Pugh who leaves behind his granddaughters Ashley Pugh and Kayla Pugh (Adam), and 2 great grandchildren.
 
He is survived by his son William Noel McElya (Teresa) who leaves behind many step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even one new great great granddaughter.
 
He is also survived by the son that he just never quite got around to adopting officially. Partially because he has loving biological parents who allowed us to share their son. Nate Gastineau came to our High Point community in 2011, when High Point wasn’t so high. High Point had a historic flood. Nate helped us rebuild and we helped him rebuild himself.
 
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to St. Judes Children's Hospital or Gospel Mission Worship Center.
 
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday October 20, 2025, at Gospel Mission Worship Center with Reverends Keith Tilford, Jim Wright, and Bill Harrison officiating, with burial to follow at Maplelawn Cemetery. Visitation will be at Lindsey’s Funeral Home from 5-8pm Sunday October 19, 2025.

Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com.

Lindsey Funeral Home is honored to serve the McElya Family.