William Clayton "W.C." Elkins

William Clayton “W.C.” Elkins, age 99 of Paris, TN, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at AHC of Paris.

He retired after many years from Midland Brake in Paris.  He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was at the liberation of Belgium.  W.C. was awarded the Bronze Star, 3 Campaign Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Medal, Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Belgian Fouragere.  He loved dancing, fishing, and hunting.  He was a member of Springhill Baptist Church since 1946. 

W.C. was born June 23, 1924, in Murray, KY, to the late James McCoy Elkins and the late Cedella Wynn Elkins.  W.C. took great pride in being the last of his generation, just like his father born in 1877, one of nine children, was the last living of his generation as well.

He was married June 16, 1946, to Pauline Melton Elkins, who preceded him death.  He later married Geneva Ward Elkins, who survives, of Paris.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by three children, William Dale (Pat) Elkins of Chicago, IL, Larry Dennis Elkins of Paris, and Cindy Denise Crosno of Paris; seven grandchildren, Phillip Dale (Heather) Fair, Carissa Fair, James Crosno, Jonathon Crosno, Sheila (Jeremy) Burkhart, Christie Wimberley, and LaShawna (Brian) Phillips; 19 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by one daughter, Patricia Jean Elkins; three sisters; five brothers; and one stepson, Larry London.  

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.  The funeral service will be Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Chad Kennedy officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Foust, John Steele, John Wade, Sammy Conger, Jaden Wimberley, Phillip Dale Fair, Brian Phillips, and Jeremy Burkhart.

Burial will be in Bevil Cemetery in Paris, TN.