Redley R. Elder “Happy Sam,” 62 of Hamden passed away April 20, 2009 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT. Mr. Elder was born in Georgetown, South Carolina January 13, 1947, son of the late Andrew and Luecretia Elder. He was retired from the New Haven Housing Authority. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen Elder of 40 years of Hamden; 4 sons, Reginald Elder (Andrea) of New Haven, Shawn Elder (Gretchen) of Wallingford, Angel Elder and Christopher Elder both of Hamden; 5 Grandchildren, Brianna, Marcus, Matthew, Mahoganie and Malachi; 3 brothers, Joe Nathan Elder Sr., John Henry Elder and Robert Elder; 9 sisters, Dorethia Ladson (Abie), Pastor Eunice E. Tucker, Louise Blake, Arlene Henry (Winston), Mary Brown, Susan Hayward, Verlie Edwards (Mario), Vivian Elder and Lillian McCray. He was predeceased by his sister Edna Greggs. A celebration of his life will take place Wednesday at 11AM at the Christian Union Full Gospel Outreach Ministries, 426 Washington Ave, West Haven, CT. Friends may call Wednesday at the church from 10 – 11 AM. Directly after the service friends are invited to the fellowship hall to celebrate Redley’s life with families and friends. Redley will be laid to rest in Georgetown, South Carolina at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church/Cemetery. Services by The Howard K. Hill Funeral Services 1287 Chapel Street New Haven. To leave a message of comfort to the Elder family, please visit www.howardkhillfuneralhome.com.