Mr. Samuel Michael Elkins

COLUMBIA - Samuel Michael Elkins, CLU, died peacefully at home on Monday December 26, 2016, after a long illness. He was not ready to give up, and his family considers him a warrior of strength. When Hospice interviewed him the first time, he politely stated that he was not ready. Unfortunately none of us are in charge of those decisions. He was born in Hazelhurst, Georgia to Ruth and Isadore Elkins. Sam was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration. Sam leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Toni Marcus Elkins; a daughter, Dr. Stephanie Elkins Sims and a bonus son, Jonathan Sims; a son, Eric Marcus Elkins, and a bonus daughter, Jennifer Lio Elkins. He also leaves behind four adoring grandsons, Alex, Ethan, Owen and Alec. Sam was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother to his only sister, Judi Elkins Finkelstein (Marvin), and a brother-in-law, H. Richard Marcus (Bonnie), plus loving nieces and nephews. He was very lucky in his life to have two devoted godsons, Brian Stern and Jason Stern. He was a devoted friend and community worker. His companies Coverage Unlimited & KeenanSuggs BowersElkins were recently sold to Hub International. Sam won many awards for life insurance, including Qualifying and Life Member of Top of the Table (Highest Honor in the Insurance industry), Life and Qualifying Member of Million Dollar Round Table, 34 years of National Service Award, 33 years of National Quality Award and Leading Sales Agent for a Fortune 500 Insurance Company in 1992, 1993 & 1995. He served on the boards of South Trust Bank, Beth Shalom Synagogue, Columbia Jewish Center, Columbia Life Underwriters Association, Beth Shalom Foundation (Treasurer), and The Human Affairs Commission of S.C. He served on The University of S.C. Educational Foundation as Fellow of The Foundation and a Summa Cum Laude Member in 1988-1989. He was The Outstanding Fundraiser for The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties in 1992. Sam served on The Field Advisory for Lincoln Financial. He was a loyal member of the arts for The S.C. State Fair for 10 years. As a Representative of Lincoln Financial (Jefferson-Pilot), he was named Agent of the Year twice and received their highest award in 1995, The WH Andrew’s Award for superior service to his industry. In 2015-2016 he was selected to serve on The Board of Visitors/ MUSC. Sam adored his animals and especially his beloved rescue basset-lab, Denver. He was a complicated person with a brilliant mind for numbers. When he loved HE LOVED! There will be many who will miss him every day, and the community has lost a true leader. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Double-E Foundation (created by Eric Elkins & Shawn Elliott) Palmetto Health Foundation, PO Box 247, Columbia, SC 29202 Attn: Samuel J. Tenenbaum or The Beth Shalom Synagogue Foundation, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 Attn: Bill Stern. The Family wishes to extend loving thanks to Palmetto Health/Richland Hospice. They gave us calming energy for this very sensitive time. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 with burial immediately after the service in Beth Shalom Arcadia Lakes Cemetery, 1401 Arcadia Lakes, Columbia, SC 29206. We are honored to have Sam’s closest friends as his pallbearers: Bill Stern, Brian Stern, Jason Stern, Benjamin Stern, Harvey Belson, Dr. John Palms, David Jay, and Bruce Filler. Honorary pallbearer is Dr. Andy Weisinger. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.