Terry Wayne Elkins

Terry "Sonny" Wayne Elkins, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at age 78 on Saturday, December 7, 2024. He was born on Monday, December 2, 1946, in Charleston WV to the late Okey and Carrie Elkins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother and sister- In- law, Tom and Janice Elkins; sisters and brothers-in-law, Anne and James Walker, Patricia and Charles McClure.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in May 1969 and a Master of Arts Degree in Civil Engineering in May 1971, both from West Virginia University. He later received a Doctorate in Ministry Degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington KY in June 1977.

Terry served in the U.S. Army. He was a military liaison with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. while on active duty (1971-1973). He remained in the Army Reserves until 1977.

Terry had a deep love for God and a desire to serve him. He served as pastor for seven churches during his 42 years of ministry with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served in Burgin, KY, Frankfort, KY, Euless, TX, Winchester, Ky, Anchorage, AK, Charleston, WV, and Salem VA.

Terry loved music, dancing, reading, and sports. He was an avid softball player, golfer, fisherman, and hunter. He will be remembered for his humor, leadership, compassion, kindness, enthusiasm, and laughter.

Terry was part of a large close-knit family. No matter where he resided, he made time to come home and reconnect with those he loved. He held many titles, but his most cherished was "Pops". His favorite thing to do was watching and loving on his grandchildren. He traveled miles across numerous states to attend their activities, play with them, and be the best Pops ever.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Becky Elkins; sister, Grace Ball (Dan); daughter, Ginny Brown (Stephen); son, Thomas Elkins (Shelby); stepson, Scott Littrell (Laura); stepdaughter, Katie Littrell (John); grandchildren: Madison Brown, Abby Elkins, Ben Elkins, Reagan Elkins, Andrew Littrell, Blake Littrell, and Caleb Littrell.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem VA. A period of visitation will be immediately prior from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to God's Pit Crew; a disaster relief, faith-based, nonprofit organization in Danville, VA. Their address is 2499 N. Main St., Danville VA 24540.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

Please click here to view the live stream of the service.