Steve Elkins

Steven (Steve) Jay Elkins, age 67, was a new resident of Cookeville, Tennessee, and former longtime resident of Sanford, Florida. Surrounded by his family, Steve passed away on Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Steve is survived by his adoring family, his wife Antoinette Couture Elkins; son, Steve Elkins, Jr. of Illinois; daughter, Tamisha Rhodes of Florida; granddaughters Brandi Lee and Morgan Rhodes of Florida; grandsons Jack, Will, and Luke Elkins of Illinois; sisters Patricia Burkette and Barbara Wlkins of Florida; brothers, James Elkins of Tennessee and Rick Elkins of Florida. He is also survived by his beloved canine companions, Bonnie and Clyde. Steve was born on May 20th, 1954 in Orlando, FL, the fourth of five children born to the late Herol Elkins and Anna Mae Noe. He graduated from Maynard Evans High School in Orlando in 1972 and moved from one party to the next, enjoying his life to its fullest, before settling down with his wife and best friend of nearly 32 years, Antionette Elkins. The only woman who could tame a man as stubborn as Steven Jay Elkins, and even if he would never admit it, she had him wrapped around her finger. You wouldn’t say he was the most romantic man in the world, in fact probably quite the opposite, but for Ant? If she asked, he would find a way to give her the world and then tell her it was no big deal and not to make such a fuss. They were married April 21st of 1990 and their love will continue on from this life into the next. Steve worked in the construction industry in sales and estimating, a job he very much enjoyed, before he retired in November of 2021. Him and his lovely wife had decided that with his recent retirement, they were going to go live out their dream of owning a cabin out in the mountains. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, a major factor in his recent move to Cookeville. He loved camping, riding his motorcycle, golfing, and tinkering in his garage. You could ALWAYS find him in his garage, door wide open, inviting his neighbors into his life and home. He was also an amazing cook, famous for his burgers and biscuits and gravy, and he was much better at it than his wife, but don’t tell her that. Steve was a strong silent type with a tremendous heart. The kind of man who was always listening and who helped without question or need for anything in return. If you called him, he was already on his way. He lived his life without regret, often stating “it’s all good”, he believed that mistakes made were lessons learned. He was incredibly close with his grandchildren and worked on strengthening his bonds with them and his children frequently. Steve was also a man of God, with him and his wife belonging to G3 church of Sanford, Florida under the spiritual guidance of pastor and friend, Sam Todd. There’s never enough time with those that we love, and even though his death was sudden and unexpected, his family and friends are thankful for the time they got with him, as each and every moment was and is precious. A memorial service, or “a party” as he would like to say, will be held down in Florida in the Spring. Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.