Dawson County employees are mourning the loss of friend and co-worker Wayne Elledge.

Elledge, 66, passed away Saturday morning, July 19, 2008 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a sudden illness.

Wayne Elledge, who served as Dawson County Building Official, had been employed by the County for four years. Born in Arizona and having lived in Sonoma County, California for a number of years, he came to Dawson County in 2002. Elledge was an independent building contractor in California.

“Wayne just finished his certification for CBO (Certified Building Official) from the International Codes Council,” said Dawson County Director of Community Development Lynn Tully. “This has been a multi-year effort and a lot of study was done in order for him to receive this certification,” she continued. “He was accomplished in the building industry by his own right and had a lifelong love of learning. It was this love that spurred his determination in getting the Building Official certification. This was in addition to the myriad of other code certifications that lined his office walls.”

“He was also very humble,” reflected Tully. “We had to frame each of his certifications for him to get him to display them! He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed his life in Georgia while bringing us lessons from the West Coast. He will be missed very much.”

Known for his quiet command, Elledge was well respected by his co-workers and friends for his wisdom and experience.

Close friend and colleague Dawson County Code Enforcement Officer Robbie Irvin agrees. “I began to understand that Wayne’s quiet and humble disposition came from years of tough learning--from trying; from failing; from succeeding.” He continued, "Wayne was a blessing, not only to me, but also to everyone who knew him, and those who did not know him missed out on an amazing experience.”

Said County Manager Kevin Tanner, “Dawson County is truly going to miss Wayne, his leadership, and the vision he brought to the planning department. Wayne has been a valuable asset and employee for Dawson County since he came on board in 2004. He is someone I got to know during my time at the sheriff’s office and has been a true asset to me over the past three months. It will be difficult to replace him as a staff member and I’ll never be able to replace him as a friend.”

Wayne is survived by his wife, Pamela Elledge, Dawsonville; children, Tammy Elledge, Marietta, Todd Elledge, California, Traci Elledge, California; brother, Benjamin Elledge, Virginia; sister, Peggy Hutton, Soledad, California, and six grandchildren.