Joe Alton Elam

Joseph Alton Elam was a humble man who loved God, his family, his church, and his friends. He peacefully entered the arms of his Savior, Jesus, in the presence of his family at home on June 20, 2026.

Joseph was born in Maryville, Tennessee, to Calvin and Jessica Elam. Along with big sister Angela, the Elam family moved to Crystal River, Florida when Joseph was 5 years old. He grew up in a Christian home, was baptized at the age of 12, and with his family attended Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. Joseph attended Crystal River Primary, Middle, and High School, followed by the University of Florida (Go Gators) where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

In 2000, Joe, as he became known, moved to Palm Bay, Florida to work for L3Harris. He started taking classes at Florida Institute of Technology, graduating with a Master's in Systems Engineering in 2006. One goal during this move was to get connected with a church and start serving and making his faith his own. He found Covenant Church in Palm Bay and quickly became involved in their singles group, called TNBS (Tuesday Night Bible Study).

In January 2003, Ananda Petek joined TNBS, and they became friends. By April 2003, Joe and Ananda started dating, and they were married on April 17, 2004. Hannah Elise was born in November 2005, with Asher Joseph following in July 2007, Nathan Petek in January 2009, and Miriam Abigail completing the family in February 2011. Joe and the kids talked Ananda into adding doodle puppies to the mix with Hershey in 2013 and Teddy in 2023.

With his beautiful tenor voice, Joe served faithfully on his church’s Praise Team as a singer leading worship for 10 years. He served as a loyal, dedicated deacon for 15 years. Joe also loved serving where his kids participated, including coaching for ROAR sports through seasons of soccer, flag football, and basketball. Joe brought his calm presence and sincere love for kids into Children’s ministry on Sunday mornings and weekly in middle school ministry. Even when his body was weakening and he couldn’t physically minister to the church, he continued to serve through prayer.

Joe loved to be outside in God’s creation. He loved to introduce others to hiking, camping, fishing, or boating. He loved to plan vacations and road trips. One of his family’s favorite memories is when they drove around the country on a 3-week road trip in 2021, visiting the Gateway Arch, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, many other state parks, and random sites along the way.

Joe will always be remembered for his love for the Lord, family and friends, his quiet strength of character, strong work ethic, and sense of humor. He was a faithful husband, a wise father, and a good friend.

“He has shown you, O Man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”- Micah 6:8 (ESV)

Joseph Alton Elam

Celebration of Life

July 12, 2026

3:30 pm

Covenant Church

760 Emerson Drive NE

Palm Bay, FL 32907