John Dickson Elkins

GASTONIA, N.C. - Mr. John Dickson Elkins, 82, of Lake Wylie, S.C., died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Covenant Village, Gastonia, N.C. A native of Clarkton, N.C., he was the son of the late James Worth and Ruth Ballentine Elkins. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Active in our community, Mr. Elkins served our country as a sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a long-time member of New Hope Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon, elder, and served twice as building committee chairman. In 2010, he was honored by the church as one of only three Distinguished Elder Emeritus in the church’s history. He was a devoted employee and eventual co-owner of BERCO, Bryant Electric Repair Company of Gastonia for over 37 years and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Gastonia, where he joined Dec. 7, 1967, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Electrical Contractors Association of North Carolina, serving as past president. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Doris Yeargin Elkins; a brother, Worth B. Elkins; and a sister, Janice E. Nelson.

Survivors include his sons and a daughter-in-law, Art and Susan Elkins of Gastonia and Alan Elkins of Lake Wylie; daughters, Phyllis Elkins of Cary, N.C., and Amy Elkins of Lake Wylie; three granddaughters, Alexandra, Caitlin and Morgan Elkins of Gastonia; a brother, J.B. Elkins of Clarkton, N.C.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris E. Smith of Cary, N.C., Emily E. and Forrest Swinson of Tampa, Fla., and Cornelia E. and Markam Woody of Richmond, Va.; sister-in-law, Rachel P. Elkins of Clarkton; brother-in-law, Guy A. Yeargin of Gastonia; several nieces and nephews; and his little dachshund, London.

The funeral was conducted by the Revs. P. Edward Forsyth and William F. “Chip” Summers Jr. on Monday Jan. 7, 2013, at New Hope Presbyterian Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers were members of The Rotary Club of Gastonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church, 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, N.C. 28056.

Condolence messages may be sent and viewed at www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia (1-800-217-9901) has been entrusted to serve the Elkins family.