Gary Stewart Elkins, age 60, a resident of Washington and a native of the Tidewater area, passed away on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Bethel Baptist Church.

He was born April 2, 1951, in Montgomery, W.Va. Gary was the son of Pauline Elkins of Virginia Beach and was predeceased by his father, Wesley Elkins and wife Bonnie. Gary was a graduate of Kellam High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Gary loved the outdoors, camping, boating and hiking.

Survivors include a daughter, Jeanine Dunn of Virginia Beach; son Stewart Elkins of Norfolk; two grandchildren, Joshua Miller and Chloe Dunn; and his significant other of 10 years, Gail Beckroge of Washington; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Bethel Baptist Church, 1832 Elbow Road, Chesapeake, VA  23320.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.