William N. "Bill" Elrod

William N. “Bill” Elrod, 70, of Akron passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Born on July 3, 1954 in Akron, Ohio he was a son of David and Nancy Simmons Elrod of Akron.

Bill lived a full and meaningful life marked by a deep devotion to family, and a generous spirit. Bill graduated from North High School in 1973 and then spent many years working in the Akron rubber industry (General Tire, RCA Rubber) before finishing his career at SGS Tools and retiring in 2019 after many years of service. He sincerely loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed being a father and a grandpa. Bill also had a love of the outdoors and hunting, especially at the family farm. Bill never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

In addition to his parents, Bill is also survived by his wife, Janice Grochowski Stratton; children, Chad Elrod of Green, Lindsay Blackmer of Tennessee, Dawn (John) Delcoma of Strasburg, Shawn (Meredith) Stratton of Akron; sisters, Shona Pursley, Nannette (John) Rader both of Akron; grandchildren, Karsyn and Kerris Elrod; Brenden and Taylen Cisneros, Brecken Blackmer; Joe and Steve Delcoma; Zachary and Charlie Stratton, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his infant sister, Robin Marie Elrod; brother, Steve Elrod and niece, Kaitlyn Wellendorf-Davenport.

He will be remembered for his warm smile, his steady presence, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In lieu of services, his family will be having a private celebration of life at his cherished farm, his favorite place in the world, where they will lovingly spread his ashes. It is there, among the fields and memories he held so dear, that his spirit will forever rest, surrounded by the land and family he loved most. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover is handling arrangements.