Douglas James Elwood, 88, of Etowah, peacefully passed away in his sleep shortly after noon on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at his home surrounded by members of his family. Doug led a life of service to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Knoxville Presbytery and attended Etowah Presbyterian Church. He served as a pastor at Highland Presbyterian Church in Maryville, TN (1954-1959), a college professor and chaplain at Missouri Valley College (1959-1960), and as a missionary teacher and pastor in the Philippines (1960-72, 1975-90) and Taiwan (1973-1975) for over 25 years. After retirement he and his wife established Little Children of the World to help children in need in the Philippines and Haiti, a mission that has now been assisting children and families for over 25 years. During his years of service he authored 25 books, numerous articles, essays and lectures. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bettie Carroll Elwood of Etowah; daughter, Colleen of Birmingham AL; 3 sons, Brian Elwood of Etowah TN, Philip Elwood of Longwood FL and Christopher Elwood of Santa Barbara CA; 7 grandchildren, Glenn, Charlotte, Aletheia, Megan, Avala, Aza Joy and Andrea. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., in the South Chapel, of Bordwine Funeral Home.The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, prior to the service.Family and friends will assemble at McMinn Memory Gardens, Wednesday, January 2nd for the 9:00 a.m., Committal service.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given in memorial to his favorite charity, Little Children of the World (www.littlechildren.org).

Bordwine Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.