Elmer Lee Masters

Elmer Lee Masters, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He died peacefully with a smile on his face at the University of Tennessee Medical Center after a short stay due to a fall and neck fracture. As a 76 year member of Salem Baptist Church and a devoted husband to Ruby for the same span, he lived a life of service and love. Granddaddy was born November 11, 1916 in Knoxville, Tennessee to parents Jason B. Masters and Daisy Mae Peterson Masters. He and Ruby Laverne Sumter were married September 11, 1937 in Irwin, Tennessee. He worked for Greyhound Bus Lines as a mechanic and after retiring in 1972, he and Ruby traveled the country, while he maintained a part time job with Seymour Bus Lines. He rescued many a traveler in the mountains of North Carolina with his skills and stories. Lee is survived by his loving wife, Ruby; 3 children, Anita Laverne Schwartzman, Nathan Lee Masters and spouse Sandra Lynn, and Anthony Reid Masters, all of Knoxville; 4 grandchildren, Lea Anne Hoy, Dee Raeside and spouses of Atlanta, Georgia, Scott Lee Masters and spouse Brittany of Nashville, and Anthony Jay Masters, of Knoxville; 6 great-grandchildren, who endlessly delighted him. Special thanks to his devoted caregivers, Sharon Cooper, Anita Valentine and Anna Mae Smith. He will be remembered for his embrace of the stranger, and his love of God, family and church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Baptist Church Building Fund, 8201 Hill Road, Knoxville, TN 37938. The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday at Salem Baptist Church with service to follow at 8:00 pm with Rev. John Holland officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:45 pm Friday at Ft. Sumter Cemetery for 2:00 pm interment. Pallbearers: Adam Hoy, Scott Masters, Jason Anderson, Buddy Hoy, Mark Raeside, John Hill, H.C. Sumter.