Mr. Jerry Wayne Elkins

July 30, 1955-September 24, 2020

Jerry Wayne Elkins, 65, formerly of Jasper, passed away September 24, 2020, at Walker Baptist Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Jerry was born in Jasper, Alabama, to Austin and Pansey Elkins. He spent his youth playing football and wrestling. He was offered a football scholarship but instead followed the love of his life, April, to Florida where they were married December 26, 1973. He was the ripe old age of 19 and she was 16. They would go on to spend 46 years together. His first daughter, Jessica, came October 11, 1974, followed by Julie, May 4, 1979, and he was an amazing father. Patient, kind, and always supportive. He was a lover of animals, most notably were Max, Hayley, and Tilda. Tilda was his service dog and trusty companion, where one went the other was sure to follow.

Jerry Wayne was a human fish finder and always found a way to score the biggest catch and was happy casting for a crappie. The majority of his career was spent underground working as a coal miner. He also proudly served as mine rescue captain for 19 years before retiring. He was a loyal and caring man who was a true provider to both his family and friends. He will greatly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Pansey Elkins; sibling, Emmette Elkins; and in laws, Peggy Cooke, Donald Thomas, and Ed Cooke.

He is survived by his wife, April M. Elkins; daughters, Jessica Elkins and Julie Elkins; siblings, Janis Blanton, Nancy Brock(Dan), Virginia Burnette, Clarence Elkins(Amelia), Tina Logan, and Barbara Robinson; in-law, Barbara Thomas.