Michael “Chris” Elkins, age 42, of Tullahoma, TN passed away Saturday, October 11, 2014 at his residence.
He was born May 1, 1972 in Cleveland, Tennessee, the son of Michael Allen Elkins and Jenny Lyn Elkins.
He attended Bradley Central High School in Cleveland. Chris then joined the United States Marine Corp, May 10, 1990 and was deployed to Camp Pendleton, CA until his honorable discharge February 4, 1993. He attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN, a part of the Sigma Chia fraternity, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. During this time, he joined the Peace Corp, where he was involved in the environmental pure water assignment in El Salvador. Chris was currently employed as an Environmental Biological Scientist, US Department of Defense at Arnold Air Force Base. While employed as a Natural Resource Manager at AEDC, Chris was also working on his Master’s Degree. Chris was an avid NASCAR fan of Kyle Busch, enjoyed the music of the band “Tool” and was a skilled player of the game Chess.
In addition to his parents, Michael and Jenny Lyn Elkins of Cleveland, TN; Chris is survived by his loving wife, Melinda “Mindy” Elkins of Tullahoma, TN; daughter, Zorra Winter Elkins and his son, Kellen Barrett Elkins, both of Tullahoma, TN; a sister, Julie Jolly and husband, Brad of Gallatin, TN; and 3 nieces and nephews, Clare Jolly, Callen Jolly and Clay Jolly all of Gallatin; a grandfather, Odell Sawfford of Cleveland TN; a father-in-law, Don Hendrix of Tullahoma, TN; a mother-in-law, Jeanine Hendrix of Jacksonville, FL; and a brother-in-law, Jeff Hendrix of Jacksonville, FL.
There will be no public service per his request, and the family will have a private memory of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Give Forward” by going to the website: http://gfwd.at/1zkH2s8 In memory of Chris Elkins, surviving wife and children.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mr. Chris Elkins