Elton Christopher Hartsfield, Sr.

A famous author once said, “The secret to life is falling down seven times, and getting up eight.” No one demonstrated this statement more than Elton Christopher Hartsfield, Sr.

Born October 4, 1958, to Charles and Lilly Hartsfield, Chris demonstrated his adventurous spirit from his first breath. As soon as he was able to, Chris joined the Highlander band and played boisterously throughout his high school career. After graduating in 1976, Chris became a Paramedic with Polk County EMS, and then was the General Manager for Blue Flame Gas for over 18 years. He also sat on the Florida Propane Gas Association committee and served on the board for Midflorida Credit Union when it first opened for business in Lake Wales. He enjoyed years of traveling with his family, canoeing and beach trips, and was always eager to attend a Rays game with his sons and daughter-in-law.
Despite ill health in recent years, Chris still enthusiastically attended concerts, enjoyed going to movies, indulged in family traditions, and volunteered with Loaves of Love Ministries. He tirelessly loved his family and will be dearly missed by all who encountered him.

He is survived by his sons, Elton Christopher Hartsfield, Jr. and Chad Allen Hartsfield, Chris Jr.’s wife, Jennifer; his mother, Lilly Hartsfield Grubbs; his brothers, Cliff Hartsfield and Chuck Hartsfield; former wife and friend, Cindy Hartsfield Grady, and countless family members and friends. To those that loved “Uncle King Chris” and those who had the chance to meet him, he was a warrior spirit who will be forever remembered and loved. He was the epitome of a man who knew how to stand back up after falling down and would always say when life got hard, “It is what it is.” We love and remember you always, Chris.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Tanner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Loaves of Love Ministries at www.theloavesoflove.org .

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/505113