Dr. John Lester Eller

Dr. John Lester Eller, age 73 years, 3 months, 9 days, of Griffin, entered Heaven’s Gates on June 29, 2012 at Brightmoor Hospice. Dr. Eller was born on March 20, 1939 to the late Lester Nevils Eller and the late Annie Mae Williams Eller in Tucapau, South Carolina. He was ordained to the ministry by the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 1962. In August of 2011, he celebrated 55 years of ministry. Dr. Eller pastored 14 churches in Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas and southern Missouri and Tennessee and served as Youth Director and Sunday School Director in southern Missouri from 1969 to 1972. In the 1960’s, he became involved in a boys program, the Royal Rangers, and served in various local, sectional and national offices. Dr. Eller held an earned doctorate in Theology, one in Christian Education and three Honorary Doctorates. He wrote numerous songs, the “flag ship” being STEPPING STONES. He was an editor of High Adventure, (Royal Ranger Magazine); and wrote several books and many articles. Survivors include his devoted wife, Dr. Bonnie M. Eller; three children, daughter, Johna Marie Eller of South Carolina; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanie and Tim Ray of Williamson; son, John David (JD) Eller of Griffin; seven grandchildren, Alyxandria Marie Eller, Haley Sarah Eller, Timothy James Ray, Christopher David Ray (preceded him in death), Melissa Jean Ray, Jonathan Patrick Eller and Katlyn (Katie) Faith Eller; one brother and sister-in-law, David and Carolyn Eller of Landrum, South Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Joyce Books of Seabring, FL., Mr. and Mrs. Bobby (Peggie) Shores of Arkansas, Mrs. Sharon Murdy of Willow Springs, MO; three brothers-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Del Johnson of Grabil, IN, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Johnson of Seabring, FL, Dr. and Mrs. C. Stephen Johnson of Spencer IN; and a host of nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends. In July of 2005, Mrs. Ricky Eubanks gave him one of her kidneys. It lengthened his life for seven years. Thank you, Deborah. The family would also like to thank Brightmoor Hospice and their excellent staff for the wonderful care that was given to their loved one in his final days. Visitation for Dr. John Lester Eller will be Monday, July 2, 2012 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Dr. Steve Johnson and Reverend James Kennedy will officiate. Interment will follow in Westwood Gardens.

Dr. John Lester Eller

March 20, 1939 - June 29, 2012