George Anderson "Andy" McElveen, Jr.

George Anderson “Andy” McElveen, Jr. a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away Friday, November 6, 2026, at his residence surrounded by the love of his family. He was 91 years old.

Born on June 14, 1935, Andy attended Lake Charles High School, where he developed his love of basketball. After receiving multiple scholarship offers, he went on to attend the University of Houston, playing under Coach Guy Lewis. His years as a Houston Cougar were among his most cherished memories, and the friendships he formed with Coach Lewis and his teammates lasted a lifetime. He remained a devoted supporter of the university and its basketball program. One particularly meaningful experience was returning to Houston last year with his grandson and a former teammate to watch a basketball practice.

After graduating from U of H, Andy returned to Lake Charles and joined the family business, McElveen Insurance. He eventually assumed ownership and, alongside his longtime business partner and friend Ray Todd, spent more than 40 years building a successful business rooted in relationships and trust. To Andy, clients and coworkers were much more than business associates. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and good-natured teasing he shared with the people who worked alongside him. At 91 years old, Andy still loved going to the office each day to check in and stay connected.

A lifelong member of the Lake Charles Country Club, Andy was an accomplished golfer with a competitive spirit. He loved the game of golf, the competition, and perhaps most of all, the friendships that came with it. Always striving to improve, he could be found on the driving range hitting golf balls every afternoon. His love of friendly competition extended to the poker table, where he gathered with the same group for more than 60 years.

Andy and his wife, Brenda, shared 32 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and adventure. For many years, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, held a special place in their hearts. Andy believed that “family is everything.” It was a sentiment he expressed often and a value he carried throughout his life. He took great pride in his sons and treasured the memories they made together.

Being a grandfather brought Andy tremendous joy. He shared a special relationship with each of his grandchildren, taking a genuine interest in their individual lives, personalities, and pursuits. He loved cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. Each knew how proud he was of them and how much he delighted in being part of their lives.

Andy’s faith was personal and quietly lived. Raised in the church, he remained a faithful churchgoer throughout his life, spending many years at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and later attending Trinity Baptist Church. He was not one to speak often about his beliefs, but his faith surfaced in thoughtful conversations and, more often, through his actions. For years he supported Boys Village and regularly purchased necessities for the local men’s shelter. His generosity reached throughout Lake Charles, reflecting his belief in giving back to the community that had given him so much.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, George Anderson McElveen, Sr., and Joyce Fisher McElveen; and his brother, Wayne Fisher McElveen.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Singletary McElveen; his sons, Mark Anderson McElveen and wife Teena, John Noble McElveen, and Douglas Nash McElveen and wife Amanda; his stepson, Michael Goins and wife Celeste; his grandchildren, Matthew McElveen and husband Tim Johnson, Nash McElveen, Bennett McElveen, and Julia McElveen; and his step-grandchildren, Katelyn Wilber and husband Blake, Noah Shapkoff and wife Lexi, and Brylee Goins.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Andy’s memory to consider a donation to The Lord’s Place Men’s Shelter (www.lordsplace.faithweb.com) or the Lake Charles Country Club Renovation Fund (3350 Country Club Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70605) two organizations near and dear to his heart.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2026 in the North Venue of Trinity Baptist Church. Pastor Steve James will officiate. Visitation Wednesday will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service in the church. In respect of his wishes, Interment services will be privately held at a later date.