Garland Elkins

Garland Elkins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful evangelist of the Gospel of Christ, entered into his Heavenly Reward on October 28, 2016.

Born on August 19, 1926 in the Elkins Community near Woodbury, Tennessee, Garland graduated from Freed Hardeman University, and also attended Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee. He was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry from Southern Christian University. Throughout his life, he was a Faithful defender of the Gospel of Christ as an author, lecturer, debater, and educator; a lifelong student of the Word, searching the scriptures daily, committing them to memory and life. A Gospel Minister for more than 67 years, Garland proclaimed the Word at numerous congregations across the country. For the past 26 years he served as Minister for the Stanton Church of Christ, and Professor and Dean of Public Relations for the Memphis School of Preaching.

Garland was the last surviving child of his parents, the late Richard and Emma Todd Elkins. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Haskell, Fred, Clark, Bob; and two sisters, Loretta and Maxine. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of Sixty-Seven years, the love of his life, Corinne Smith Elkins; three daughters, Connie Miles and husband Kenneth, Jan Elkins, and Denise Healy and husband Bill; three grandchildren, his namesake Stephanie Garland Healy Staggs and husband Logan, Shane Alexander Healy, and Olivia Gabrielle Miles; and a host of other loving family and friends.

The family will gather to receive friends on Sunday, October 30, between Four o'clock and Seven o'clock in the evening at the Forest Hill Church of Christ, 3950 Forest Hill-Irene Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38125. Funeral services will be held at Twelve o'clock noon on Monday, October 31, also at the Forest Hill location, with visitation from Ten o'clock in the morning until a Quarter of Twelve. Interment will be held at Eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, November 1, at the Riverside Cemetery in Woodbury, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Garland and Corinne Elkins Scholarship Fund at the Memphis School of Preaching. Online condolences may be made at www.MemphisFuneralHome.net

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311