Willie Andrew Elam, Jr., son of the late Willie Andrew Elam, Sr. and Pamela-Toomer Elam, was born on December 4, 1965 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was the oldest of ten children. Willie departed this earthly life on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey surrounded by his family, the ones he laughed with, lived for and loved.

Willie, "affectionately known as Chubs" by his family, attended the Asbury Park School System, graduating from Asbury Park High School in 1984. He excelled in football and track, receiving several medals and trophies as an outstanding athlete.  Upon graduation from high school, Willie joined the National Guard. In 1985, he decided to further his education at Chowan College in North Carolina.

Willie was previously employed as a construction worker and landscaper.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, and will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him. Chubs had a kind heart, gentle spirit, never complained, and was always willing to extend a helping hand when needed.

Willie was predeceased by his father, Willie Elam, Sr. in 2008; maternal grandparents, Willie and Hazel Toomer; and paternal grandparents, John and Alice Elam.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Tyrene Durant of California; two daughters, Emma Elam of Neptune, NJ and Pamela Elam of Beechwood, NJ; stepdaughter, Zatima Benson of Neptune, NJ; two grandchildren, Ryver N. Bey and Omari Innocent, both of Neptune, NJ; mother, Pamela Elam of Asbury Park, NJ; four brothers, Darrick Elam of Toms River, NJ, Derrick (Diane) Elam of Maryland, Anthony (Taniel) Elam of Newark, NJ, and Kevin Elam of Asbury Park, NJ; five sisters, Wanda (Sylvester) Brown, Tracey (Steven) Nelson, Nicole (Miquel) Queinlan, all of Neptune, NJ, Pamela Elam (Robert), and Yvonne Elam, both of Asbury Park, NJ; devoted friend, Dawn Riddick, of Asbury Park, NJ; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.