We will forever use our memories of his smile, his sense of humor, his
humilty and generosity, and his big-heart as an inspiration to make our lives,
and the lives around us more complete and whole.

February 7, 1985 - July 21, 2009


Thursday, September 2, 2010

A Long Awaited Letter

After a long process, we finally received a letter thirteen months after Stephen gave life to another individual. Sending and receiving correspondence between the donor family and donor recipients respects each family's privacy and is quite extensive. While it is difficult for the donor family, it is also encouraging to know Stephen's death saved other lives. In addition, for the donor recipient, they find it difficult to correspond because of the circumstances surrounding their gift of life.

Stephen's liver recipient is an older 60 year old gentleman who lives in Ohio. He suffered from a chronic progressive disease which caused acute liver failure. He was second on the waiting list and was extremely ill at the time of his transplant. Stephen saved his life. When he is feeling well enough, he works at Goodyear Tire. He is the married father of two children. In his free time, he especially enjoys outdoor activities. In his letter he said that he had had several complications along the way, but continues to make medication changes and undergo multiple testing in order to improve his health status. Because of Stephen's gift of life, he is alive and able to spend time with his new grandbaby. He said he feels an obligation to cherish every day for Stephen's sacrifice. He would be eternally grateful to Stephen, and was very sympathetic with our loss.





The donor program is a wonderful life saving one. In order to educate others, Second Chance at Life, Inc., has designed a specialty license plate. It will become a reality once, and if, 900 applications and fees have been received. Your initial check of $25.00 will be held in escrow until all 900 applications are received. An application for the plate can be downloaded at www.kyorgandonor.org. Below is the total cost of the Donate Life Specialty Plate: $25.00 - initial fee with application, $9.00 - Paid at your County Clerk's Office once plate is available, $10.00 - Donation to Second Chance for continual public education efforts--$44.00 Final Total
Please sign up for the Donate Life license plate today.

"SDE" honored with the Future Pendleton Co. Hoopsters


One afternoon this spring we received a call from Wes Sullivan, the coach of the "Future Hoopsters". On behalf of the parents, coaches, and players, he presented us with a framed jersey the team wore this past season. Stephen had began helping Wes by showing the players a few drills. It wasn't long before he was at every practice and game. He was looking forward to the next season of players.

We began two educational scholarships with the memorial funds received from friends at the funeral because we knew Stephen would be honored knowing others had help continuing their education; however, he would be ecstatic if his little basketball team had financial support as well with his funds. We purchased their ball uniforms this past year, and they wore them proudly with the initials "SDE" over their heart. As a thank you at the end of the season, we received a replica jersey (#15...Stephen's high school number). It hangs beside his Georgetown jersey.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Pendleton Country Club 11th Hole Beautified


This year at the annual Jim Griffin Invitational, held at the Pendleton Country Club, the players arrived at the 11th hole and found a memorial garden for Stephen. Several of the players placed a golf ball around the boulder in honor of Stephen. The memorial was donated by a beloved family--Brian, Beth, Macy, Tanner, and Riley Griffin. It was appropriate that it was planted and established for this annual event. Stephen spent the last weekend of his life playing in the Jim Griffin Memorial Tournament. He posted his facebook status on Friday morning, July 17, 2009 at 2:20 am as "Stephen Elrod is awake...hoping to have a great weekend...it's the griffin memorial tournament...best weekend of the summer in pc". A few hours later, he went to Brian and Beth Griffin's home to help them set up for their Jon Boat Classic, an annual party they hosted to begin the tournament in honor of Brian's father, Jim Griffin.

2010 Scholarship Presentations

The Stephen Dale Elrod Memorial Scholarships were created to honor graduating students from the two high schools Stephen attended (Eagles Landing Christian Academy, GA, and Pendleton County High School, KY) who most exemplified the life and values of Stephen. In order to qualify for the scholarships, the recipients must have participated in a sport while maintaining a high and vigorous academic standard. In addition, they should epitomize the principles Stephen held in high regard through their words and actions. He/She would exhibit hard work and never settle for being average, always look for the good in others, and have the desire to make a positive difference.

Eagles Landing Christian Academy
May 21, 2010



Out of a graduating class of 75 students, Mr. Daniel Jones received the first scholarship at the annual athletic banquet. While attending ELCA, he was a two-sport athlete and an incredible Christian leader on his athletic teams. In addition, he received lead actor roles in the one-act plays and others at the school.
In the classroom, he maintained a strong academic average. Daniel was involved with the church and participated in mission work as well. In the words of ELCA's athletic director, Daniel was a "great kid and will be missed at ELCA". Daniel plans to attend Georgia State University in the fall of 2010.
One of Stephen's best friends, Clay Reeves, and his father, Scott, made the presentation of the scholarship to Daniel with Rick.

Pendleton County High School
June 1, 2010



Every year, the graduating class of PCHS hosts "Class Night", a night to showcase the talents and achievements of the graduating seniors. Bethany King was one of 58 seniors in a class of 180 to receive a scholarship. Rick and Jon were proud to present her with a scholarship in memory of Stephen.
Bethany was an outstanding student and had an impressive repertoire of community service and mission work through her church. She was a standout on the basketball court and on the cross-country course. She is a talented artist and plans to pursue her career goal at Morehead State University.

Griffin Industries April 1, 2010

Griffin Industries introduced a new scholarship in honor of Stephen to be given annually to an employee who wishes to continue his/her education. The first scholarship was awarded to Molly Faust, an employee at the corporate office. Stephen would be so excited for Molly. She was a good friend and lunch partner every day at work. Molly is furthering her education at Northern Kentucky University.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients.



Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza Dedication Ceremony

A twenty-two minute video of the entire dedication of the sculpture and the Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza at Georgetown College.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Memorial Tribute

Short video put to music of friends and family that attended the dedication ceremony reminiscing about Stephen and looking at the sculpture and inside at the cross and fingerprints placed during the bronze process. Music by Sarah McLachlan, "Arms of an Angel"

Celebration Ceremony


On Friday, May 14th, 2010, the sculpture and plaza area was dedicated in a touching ceremony.
Welcome by Dr. William H. Crouch, Jr.,
Readings and Commentary by: Rick Elrod
Pastor Larry Travis giving "The Angel's Message"
Dr. Nancy Lumpkin reading Isaiah 40: 30-31
Mark Surgalski
Dr. Scott Takacs reading Romans 5: 1-5
Coach Happy Osborne on Stephen as a Gatherer
Dr. Tom Cooper reading Emily Dickinson's There is Another Sky, verses 9-12
Amanda Matthews, artist
Closing Prayer by Rev. Robert M. Fox, Jr.


Coach Happy Osborne spoke of Stephen being a gatherer during the ceremony


The focal point of the plaza area is the bronze sculpture, an angelic form expressing forward and upward movement and quiet introspection. Designed by Amanda B. Matthews and fabricated at the Prometheus Foundry in the spring 2010, the sculpture is bronze with stainless steel armature situated on a rough-cut limestone base. Inside the wings are fingerprints of family members Judy and Jon Elrod and Celtic crosses that bear the initials SDE in remembrance of Stephen.

Surrounding the sculpture are landscaping features that are intended to transform the space from a pass-through area into a gathering place. Two arcs are comprised of fourteen stones brought to the site from a barn on the Elrod family farm in northern Kentucky. Five limestone stepping-stones lead to the sculpture and provide a path to the granite boulders that offer a site of reflection on each side of the sculpture. The plantings accentuate the sculpture and serve, also, as symbolic reminders of the homes where Stephen lived. These include: Crimson Pygmy Barberry from the family home in Falmouth, Kentucky; Nandina bushes from their Georgia home: and Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry, Knockout Roses, and Liriope that are present at the family's current residence in Foster, Kentucky.
It was very important to us to have the sculpture completed, installed, and dedicated before Jon graduated. All the graduates would line up in the George Bush Fitness Center and march through the plaza and sculpture area. Although Stephen was not present physically during this celebration, his presence was felt in more ways than one.
May 15, 2010

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The history of the Stephen D. Elrod Memorial Plaza

Stephen spent four wonderful years at Georgetown College and we wanted to commemorate his life outside the David-Reid Alumni Gym where he spent many hours playing basketball. He loved just being a part of the team from year to year and the players and coaches became his second family.

We had different options for a memorial, but it wasn't a difficult decision once we heard the suggestion to name the space between the gym and fitness center as the Stephen Elrod Memorial Plaza and place a sculpture representing his qualities in a focal point on the plaza. The search began for an artist to design the sculpture.

In February 2010, we reviewed the qualification of six different artists. Four of the artists were selected to submit a drawing proposing their design for the sculpture. Although there were four wonderful ideas presented, we knew almost from the very beginning that Amanda Matthews was the artist we were to use. Throughout the design and assembly of the sculpture, we visited the foundry multiple times. We discovered different connections to Amanda which made it evident why she also felt "she was supposed to design this sculpture".

Amanda's proposal for the sculpture memorializing Stephen was of an 'angelic form' expressing forward and upward movement, and quiet introspection. It was a three-dimensional bronze and limestone sculpture standing 7' tall. Her inspiration for the design was born from three separate sources.

We had asked for comments and observations about Stephen from his family and friends. Some of the thoughts, observations, and memories written included "angelic, contagious smile"..."enormous smile"..."friend, an informal angel"..."gentle determination"..."Godly, faithful"..."humble, generous, kind"..."quiet leader"..."uplifting and always greeted you with his smile"..."valued important things in life--family, friends, God"..."respectful"..."displayed the gentleness of God's grace"..."helped you remember that each day is a blessing"..."giving--would find time for you no matter how busy he was"...

As Amanda read over the comments, she began to realize that a sculpture representing only one facet of Stephen's life would not do justice to the memorial. He represented a dynamic combination of uplifting, dedicated, encouraging, spirited leader and unselfish, humble, sincere, thoughtful, hopeful, kind, generous, quiet, faithful angel. One epitaph simply said LOVE.

The second inspiration for the sculpture came from Biblical accounts of Stephen. Amanda told of a Biblical essay by John MacArthur titled Stephen: A Profile in Courage, The Man with the Face of an Angel. The essay notes that Stephen was one of the great men of faith in the early Church. He was described as a "man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" and "of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Furthermore, as Stephen stood before a council of men (who were determining his fate), even they saw that "his face was like the face of an angel." MacArthur writes "Besides moving history, men also move the hearts of others by their individuality. Stephen was not only important because he had great historical effect (his martyrdom causing the expansion of the church), he was also important just because the very character of his life. This is great proof that the effect of a man's life or ministry has nothing to do with the length of the man's life. This essay's description of the Biblical Stephen, the first Christian martyr, bears striking resemblance to the wonderful remarks and comments made by Stephen's friends and the third inspiration for the sculpture came from the meaning of the name Stephen. Some of the traditional meanings of an angel are:

* a typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, a guardian spirit or guiding influence,
* a kind and lovable person, and
* one who manifests goodness, purity, and selflessness.


The sculpture has a forward, upward swooping motion separating out into two 'wings', which make a crowning circle and come back together near the tips. The south-facing orientation represents the quiet, humble, contemplative, listener like one who is bowing and praying.

Shown to the left is one of the early stages of the sculpture. Jon is shown placing his fingerprints in the soft clay with the artist, Amanda.
The process of bronze sculpting has not changed since the Bronze Age. In the photo is the actual process of pouring hot bronze into the ports in the molds.
To the eye of someone unfamiliar with the process of bronze, this picture would appear the the bronze pour was unsuccessful. However, it was a very successful pour. The molds were unbolted and pulled apart. After the wings are pulled apart, there are still several hours of work before the finished product.
Brad Connell, co-owner of the Prometheus Foundry welded small sections of the wings and the patina needed to be added as well before the finished product could be installed on the site.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Update on Stephen's Organ Donation

The organization that handles all heart valve transplantation, LifeNet sent an update regarding Stephen's heart valves. His two pulmonary and aortic valves have been sent to medical facilities but they do not know if they have been transplanted yet. His aortic valves were sent to a hospital in Georgia in February of 2010. His pulmonary valves were sent to a hospital in Virginia in February 2010 also.

Stephen would be thrilled to know that his heart valves went to Georgia where he spent so many years. They possibly could have benefited someone that he shared the soccer fields or basketball court with over the years.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Safe in the Arms of Jesus


At sunrise and sunset, we remember you. For several years, we have known we wanted to place a proper headstone on Stephen's younger brother Nicholas. But we kept putting this off for some reason. We now know that that we were to wait so that he could share the headstone with his older brother. At the bottom of the stone is the inscription "Sons of Rick and Judy; Brothers of Jon" On the back of the stone the following is written:



In Memory of Nicholas W. Elrod
You were a gift from God born so beautiful and so innocent, giving us a glimpse of Heaven, if only for a few days before God would call you home. We know our God is watching over you, and the angels are gently rocking you, until we can once again feel the touch of your little hand and the warmth of your tender face.

In Memory of Stephen D. Elrod
The lives he touched were immeasurable, and anyone who met him was fortunate enough to have their life enriched. We will forever use our memories of his smile, his sense of humor, his humility and generosity, and his big heart as an inspiration to make our lives and the lives around us more complete and whole.



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Eternal Charger #5

Eagles Landing Christian Academy, McDonough, GA., was home for Stephen beginning in the sixth grade and until he moved back to KY his senior year (1997-2002). It holds such special memories in our heart. His brother Jon was a student also, his mother taught there, and his father was the basketball coach. There Stephen excelled in and out of the classroom, and adopted his southern charm. He participated in junior varsity basketball and football, varsity golf, tennis, track, and basketball.

ELCA is a private Christian school for K-12 grades. When he first attended in 1997, there were 160 students in 6-12th grades and 270 students in the entire one-building complex. In 2000, the new complex was built. All the students knew one another, appreciated, and respected each other. This was evident at the ceremony in the new ELCA gym on January 29th, 2010, when Stephen's jersey was retired. There were students who were seniors when Stephen began as a 6th grader and students who were much younger than him. There was a closeness that could not be explained. Not only did many students attend, the stands were full of parents of old classmates, and past faculty members.

Pastor Tim Dowdy, friend and pastor of Eagles Landing First Baptist Church spoke of his memories of Stephen and what he stood for. He asked for all the students to come join us on the floor. We stretched our hands out to each other as he prayed.


















Next, Coach James Hunter relayed the story as to how he came to ELCA. Rick had been his assistant coach on the Henry Co Recreation and YBOA teams Stephen had been associated with. Rick called him and asked him to bring his son to ELCA and be his assistant. He went on to tell about the impact Stephen had had on peoples lives in such a short period of time.

It was evident with the amount of friends that came that evening. But it was also so clearly seen at his funeral. He said that the seventeen/eighteen people that came from Georgia witnessed it. (Although I counted up that there were at least thirty-one people that drove or flew in from Georgia for the funeral.) Stephen had only been back in Kentucky for a short time, but there was a constant line for hours at the funeral. James reinterated what others have said about Stephen's Christian character. They unveiled the jersey that will hang in the gym.


Rick had the pre-game talk with the team earlier that evening. He told them they would only have one opportunity to go out on the floor and give it their all...to play their best. He also told them they only have the one opportunity in life to make a difference...to live as God would want them live.
James told us the next evening that earlier in the season he had told Stephen's story to his team. As a result, he had two players give their lives to Jesus. We knew that Stephen's death had to have a reason. If these were just the only two lives saved, it would be worth it. However, we feel there are more we know nothing about.

Clay Reeves, close friend and teammate of Stephen's spoke afterwards about a memorial scholarship for a graduation senior they are starting for Stephen. The recipient must have a Christian character, be an athlete, have a strong academic standing, and possess citizenship qualities.

Letter from Stephen

An associate of Rick's wrote and framed the following poem and gave it to Rick for Christmas.

He met me in the fog,
With open arms.
He carried me to the Gate of His Heaven
shortly after seven.
I felt no pain,
And His Heaven is the most spectacular display I've ever seen.
Indescribable, Incomprehensible,
Vast, mouth dropping,
Eye popping,
Angels singing
Holy, Holy, Holy.
Don't be upset.
It is brighter and more beautiful than any sunset.
I found Nicholas,
He is absolutely gorgeous;
Just as you remember
We are in Heaven, eternity, forever.
I am with you still,
I'm the wind that gives you a sudden chill.
I am the sun shining on your face,
Drying your tears in place.
I know Jon is having a hard time.
Let him read this message of mine.
Depend on God to be your best friend.
And I will see all of you again.

I love and miss all of you,
Stephen

What a Tribute by Griffin Industries


Stephen had worked part time during the summers for Griffin Industries since he was thirteen. He started at the Atlanta plant in Ellenwood working on Saturdays mowing the grass. He eventually graduated to other jobs after he became older. After he moved back to Kentucky, he worked at the fabrication plant, Jay Gee, as an utility worker. In addition to digging ditches and painting, he continued to use the lawnmower. Finally, Stephen advanced to an office position at the Butler operation and began working alongside the field representatives. Occasionally, he would travel with a driver on a grease or fat and bone route.

When Stephen graduated from Georgetown with his Business Administration degree, he was asked to begin working at the corporate office in Cold Spring, Ky., in a pilot management trainee position. He stayed at the corporate office for the next six months training with the Safety department and Human Resources. He moved back to the Butler operation for the next several months and saw first-hand how the plant operated. He even had a few weeks where he worked in the Bakery division. The time came for him to locate back at the corporate office for training in the Enviromental division.

Griffin Industries was the only job that Stephen had ever known and on December 5th, 2009, the family of Griffin Industries presented us with a collage to honor him. A second copy hangs in the gathering area at the corporate office. In addition, they announced a new scholarship they are setting up in his name. This scholarship is one of five they sponsor. The other four belong to Mr. John L. Griffin, Mrs. Rosellen Griffin, Mr. Ronald L. Griffin, and Mr. James K. Griffin. It is truly an honor to be associated in such a list of names.

The group that worked on and designed the collage consisted mainly of three people: Molly Faust, Stephen's lunch buddy and close friend, Brian Griffin, an old friend that eventually became his superior and was like a big brother to him, and Kim Stokelman, a friend in the marketing department. The two written portions of the collage consist of Stephen's "Powerful Smile" and a depiction of Stephen's life. The print in the center is a picture of a gym floor entitled "Return to Heaven" that hung in Brian Griffin's office. Stephen always admired and commented on it. The name plate at the bottom came from his name plate on his desk.

Return to Heaven


As I cross over the line from the outside world and set foot onto the hardwood of a basketball court, I transcend into a being that words cannot describe. No longer do I concern myself with worldly problems. Now I am in my domain, my Heaven here on Earth. With each stride that I take and every creak I hear in the floor, I embrace punishment, fearing someone else may be working harder than me. I notice the smell of pride in the air, and this excites me. The blood, sweat and tears from the agony of defeat and joy of sweet victory circulate a most unique essence like none other I have ever been able to find. Deep within my heart lies a security in knowing that not only has my pride contributed to this essence, but that the blood, sweat and tears of players past have contributed to it as well. And we must not forget the ones who taught us what pride really means. This is sacred to me, reminding me that I have given everything I ever had and put it all in to the great game of basketball. I have given my heart and soul to this game. So whenever I leave my domain, I always take with me the the anxiety and the yearning from deep within my soul that just can't wait until my next Return to Heaven.

1985 - 2009

1985 - 2009 Whether or not you believe in the power of first impression, it only took one meeting to understand that Stephen Elrod had the gift to inject a positive influence on people’s lives. Maybe it was because of the humble, Christian values instilled in him from the time he was young, or just the good nature he was blessed to be born with. The lives he touched were immeasurable and anyone with the good luck to meet him was fortunate enough to have their life enriched in some way.

There are countless ways to describe Stephen: compassionate, hardworking, dedicated, humble, athletic, and charismatic are just a few, but none of these can truly capture who Stephen Dale Elrod was. He had the rare ability to always put others before himself in any situation, whether it was lending a friendly ear to listen and provide encouraging words of advice, coaching grade school students or simply flashing his famous, friendly smile to someone having a bad day. He always uplifted people through his own positive outlook on life and his talent for making others believe in themselves. Stephen was a true example of what it means to be selfless.

Stephen had an amazing sense of humor that let him live life to the fullest, never taking a minute for granted. He recognized all the joy life had to offer, especially when spending time with his family and friends. His sense of humor and ability to enjoy every moment made him an optimistic person who didn’t let anything get him down.

Although we lost a son, a brother, a friend, and a colleague, and the void can never be replaced, as will always remember Stephen’s humility, generosity, and smile. Most importantly, we can use these memories as inspiration to make our lives, and the lives around us more complete and whole, just as Stephen did during his short time on this Earth.

A Powerful Smile



At first glimpse, you will find a contagious Smile…
The kind of Smile you often desire.
A tremendous Smile created by a
Strong family foundation.

A smile so huge because of his religious beliefs
And the inspiration it provided.

A Smile that few great student-athletes possess.
As a teammate, the Smile that ensures
Our team has a great chance in which any
Battle to engage and demonstrate confidence
That he is a true competitor
Who strives for true excellence.

A smile that young children adore—
One that creates excitement in his being.
A smile that recalled his childhood days
As he enjoyed those same memories.
A Smile that kids often seek
When selecting a new hero.

To a co-worker, a Smile that is prompt
And accurate from the very first time.
A smile that says, “Help me learn
And I’ll learn you more.”
One that many different people learned from,
A truly special type of Smile.

A smile a “world of friends” could see
On the opposite end of a message
Because of the compassion
And friendship it displayed.
A smile that demonstrated an uncanny ability
To listen, connect, and relate.

To a stranger, a smile with immediate
Warm rapport and sincere interest
In their general well-being and viewpoint—
Regardless of the subject at hand.
A smile that gained immediate respect with
Each “thank you, sir” or “yes, ma’am”.

A smile that had the desire to
Make a positive difference in so many.

A smile that cannot be forgotten
Because of the meaning it provided.

Do like me—find a mirror and
See his powerful Smile.

PCHS Honors Stephen



On December 9, 2008, the Pendleton County Wildcats honored the memory of Stephen by presenting his senior jersey #15 to his parents. Coach Chad Simms, Stephen's former assistant coach, spoke a few words and the senior wildcats carried his jersey to center court. Senior Timmy Cooper wore a similar #15 jersey in memory of Stephen for the evening



Upon returning to Kentucky for his senior year, Stephen committed himself to one sport--basketball and played for Coach Buddy Biggs. He was the lone senior on the squad. When districts rolled around, he helped lead his team to the 10th region tournament. Stephen was selected after the season as the recipient of the treasured "Larry Price Hustle Award", the same honor his father had received twenty-five years earlier. Two years later, Stephen's brother, Jon, would be honored with the same award at the end of his junior and senior years.



The jersey was given back to the school so that it may hang in the gym.


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