George Raymond McElveen, son of Robert Elliott and Mary Ann Skinner McElveen, was born near Lynchburg, South Carolina. Educated at Presbyterian College, BS, 1919, and the University of South Carolina, LL.B and M.S., 1921, he was active in football and baseball at both institutions.
He was in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, WW I; part-time General Counsel to U.S. Rent Central Office, WW II; member, House of Representatives 1949–1971. He was a member, Deacon Emeritus, and first Scoutmaster of Troop 15 of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia and charter member and legal counsel, St. Andrews Society of Columbia.
He married Susan Powers McElveen and had four children, Susan McElveen Graybill, G. Raymond McElveen, Jr., William Powers McElveen and Robert Elliott McElveen. He practiced law with his son, Raymond, Jr., and grandson, Raymond, III.
Well-liked, highly respected, dignified and courtly, he excelled as a lawyer, as a businessman and as a family man.