LAFAYETTE – Harley H. McElroy passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 24, 2024 at the age of 73. He was born Sept. 24, 1950 in Lake Charles, La. to the late Charles and Verna Mae McElroy.

He is predeceased in death by his cherished older brother, Howard McElroy.

Harley moved to New Orleans in the early 1970’s and graduated from the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in 1973 and later graduated from the Charity Hospital School of Anesthesia in 1979. While studying at Charity, he was seated alphabetically next to a pretty brunette from Kaplan, Priscilla Marceaux. After graduation they moved to Lafayette and started their family and careers. He was a devoted Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) for 47 years and served as a valued mentor for generations of nursing and anesthesia students. He was a natural and gifted caregiver and throughout his career as a CRNA, Harley worked in hospitals in Lafayette, New Orleans, Birmingham, AL, Pittsburgh, PA and retired after working at the Greenville Health System for 12 years in Greenville, SC. Always leaving behind friends and valued colleagues wherever he went.

Harley is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla Marceaux McElroy; daughters Jessica McElroy (Peter Cooke) and Louise Buttross (Eddie), both of Lafayette, Louisiana; his grandchildren Harley Cooke and Gwyneth Buttross of Lafayette; his siblings Harriet Gaiennie (Randy Dornier) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philip McElroy, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Heidi McElroy of Abingdon, Virginia and by numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

Harley’s life was full of the things that brought him joy. He loved his family, good food, good wine, keeping his yard and flowers beds pristine, a quality vacuum cleaner, talking on the phone, watching Jeopardy, playing with his grandchildren, a perfect martini, and reading books about U.S. history. The first one awake in the morning, there was always a to-do list to accomplish by the end of the day. For many, Harley was their first phone call because he was some version of a handyman, counselor, nurse, best friend, chauffeur, mechanic, or landscaper for those who sought his help. To his girls, he seemed to know everything and they never stopped learning from him. His generosity, curiosity, warmth and charm cannot be overstated. He was a gifted story-teller and always left you laughing. His style was always polished and uniquely his. A devotee of the philosophy that if you take care of something, it will take care of you, he was immaculately tidy and meticulously organized. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you replace your air conditioning filters or check the air pressure in your tires. He would appreciate that.

A memorial to the rich life of Harley McElroy is planned for Summer 2024.