Richard J. Elks

Sept. 29, 1931 – Oct. 12, 2013

SFC (Ret) Richard J. Elks, 82, of Columbus, GA passed away Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Columbus Hospice House surrounded by family and friends.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL. with Revernd Craig Harbin officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907.

SFC Elks was born September 29, 1931 in Pitt County, NC, son of the late William Marshall Elks and Annie Gurganus Elks. SFC Elks retired from Ft. Benning, GA and made his home in Columbus. SFC Elks was retired from the U.S. Army after over 20 years of service. In 1951, he served in the Korean War and also served two tours in Vietnam. SFC Elks went to Vietnamese language school and served as an advisor to the ARVN on one tour and was a field artillery NCO on his second tour in Vietnam. He also received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medal along with numerous other decorations during his service with the U.S. Army. SFC Elks was also a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans.

SFC Elks was a member of Lamb of God Christian Church on Warm Springs Road in Columbus. He had a long battle with ALS and is now with the Lord and is at peace.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Henry Guy Elks, William Roy Elks, Rufus Nyman Elks, Robert Glen Elks, Gilbert Rumley Elks, Gentry Earl Elks and Owen Charles Elks and his sisters, Letha Mae Elks, Lucy Elks, Geneva Boyd, and Mary Magdeline Elks.

Survivors include his wife Eva C. Elks of Columbus, GA; daughter, Rhonda Adkins (Donald) of Columbus, GA; son, Richard W. Elks of Midland, GA; granddaughter, Brandi Price of Columbus, GA; great grandson, Austin Price of Columbus, GA; and sister, Frances Potter of Chocowinity, NC.

SFC Elks’ longtime family friend, Keith Prentice and family were with him to the end. Also several close friends were there to support the Elks family during this difficult time. The Elks family wishes to thank Columbus Hospice for their very hospitable treatment and sincere care for SFC Elks. Also, we are very grateful for the care given by Dr. Rallo and Kim Carroll to SFC Elks during his final moments on earth.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Columbus Hospice House, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA; Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St N.W., Washington, DC 20006; or ALS Association Development Dept., 27001 Agoura Rd., Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, www.ALS.org.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.