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Samuel Elkins Obituary

Samuel Elkins Columbia, SC - Samuel Michael Elkins, CLU, died peacefully at home on Monday December 26, 2016, after a long illness. He was not ready to give up, and his family considers him a warrior of strength. When Hospice interviewed him the first time, he politely stated that he was not ready. Unfortunately none of us are in charge of those decisions. He was born in Hazelhurst, Georgia to Ruth and Isadore Elkins. Sam was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration. Sam leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Toni Marcus Elkins; a daughter, Dr. Stephanie Elkins Sims and a bonus son, Jonathan Sims; a son, Eric Marcus Elkins, and a bonus daughter, Jennifer Lio Elkins. He also leaves behind four adoring grandsons, Alex, Ethan, Owen and Alec. Sam was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother to his only sister, Judi Elkins Finkelstein (Marvin), and a brother-in-law, H. Richard Marcus (Bonnie), plus loving nieces and nephews. He was very lucky in his life to have two devoted godsons, Brian Stern and Jason Stern. He was a devoted friend and community worker. His companies Coverage Unlimited & KeenanSuggs BowersElkins were recently sold to Hub International. Sam won many awards for life insurance, including Qualifying and Life Member of Top of the Table (Highest Honor in the Insurance industry), Life and Qualifying Member of Million Dollar Round Table, 34 years of National Service Award, 33 years of National Quality Award and Leading Sales Agent for a Fortune 500 Insurance Company in 1992, 1993 & 1995. He served on the boards of South Trust Bank, Beth Shalom Synagogue, Columbia Jewish Center, Columbia Life Underwriters Association, Beth Shalom Foundation (Treasurer), and The Human Affairs Commission of S.C. He served on The University of S.C. Educational Foundation as Fellow of The Foundation and a Summa Cum Laude Member in 1988-1989. He was The Outstanding Fundraiser for The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties in 1992. Sam served on The Field Advisory for Lincoln Financial. He was a loyal member of the arts for The S.C. State Fair for 10 years. As a Representative of Lincoln Financial (Jefferson-Pilot), he was named Agent of the Year twice and received their highest award in 1995, The WH Andrew's Award for superior service to his industry. In 2015-2016 he was selected to serve on The Board of Visitors/ MUSC. Sam adored his animals and especially his beloved rescue basset-lab, Denver. He was a complicated person with a brilliant mind for numbers. When he loved HE LOVED! There will be many who will miss him every day, and the community has lost a true leader. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Double-E Foundation (created by Eric Elkins & Shawn Elliott) Palmetto Health Foundation, PO Box 247, Columbia, SC 29202 Attn: Samuel J. Tenenbaum or The Beth Shalom Synagogue Foundation, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 Attn: Bill Stern. The Family wishes to extend loving thanks to Palmetto Health/Richland Hospice. They gave us calming energy for this very sensitive time. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 with burial immediately after the service in Beth Shalom Arcadia Lakes Cemetery, 1401 Arcadia Lakes, Columbia, SC 29206. We are honored to have Sam's closest friends as his pallbearers: Bill Stern, Brian Stern, Jason Stern, Benjamin Stern, Harvey Belson, Dr. John Palms, David Jay, and Bruce Filler. Honorary pallbearer is Dr. Andy Weisinger. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Elkins

Not sure what to say?





July 3, 2017

Sorry to learn this, our condolences.
J.L. Roberson

James Roppe

July 2, 2017

Dear Elkins Family, I just learned about Sammy's passing to day @church. We played high school football together in Alma Ga 62,63. Also I lived in Columbia mid 70's and Sammy came to see several times @ the plant. So sorry for your loss , Sammy was a great Friend, and Godly Man . May God continue to Bless Your Family.

Bobby Temple

January 24, 2017

Dear Toni,
Ann & I were away when Sam passed, and I regret very much not knowing he was ill. I liked him immensely and will miss him more.

January 1, 2017

Sorry for your loss, he was a good man and a good friend... he will be missed. And my prayers are with you and your family.

Geri & John Livoti Columbia SC

Barbara & Derek Hudspith

January 1, 2017

Dear Toni, Eric, Stephanie and Grandchildren
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.

December 29, 2016

Dear Toni and family, It's been another life since we played bridge together, bit I do remember the "children" and Sam. I pray God will give you His Peace and surround you all with His Love. Ps.91:11
Judy Grubbs Carter

SERENA & VIC GURALNICK

December 29, 2016

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. IT WAS DELIGHTFUL KNOWING SAM WHILE WE LIVED IN COLUMBIA. I AM SURE HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

Tommy Brantley

December 28, 2016

Sam was good man, I'll miss him.

Bob & Brenda Willett

December 28, 2016

Toni, our sympathy and prayers to you and all Sam loved. Good memories of Sam in many instances including Pilot conventions.

December 28, 2016

Toni, our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Sammy. Our thoughts are with you all.
Tanya & Stan

Heidi Darr-Hope

December 28, 2016

Toni, My heart sends you lots of love. I am so so very sorry for your loss.

Allan Holmes

December 28, 2016

Dear Toni and Family. Was greatly saddened to read this morning that Sam had passed away. He was a wonderful man, and it was my great good luck to have known him. You may recall that we were in the Army Reserves together. No one would accuse us of being military men, but we made the best of it - especially the opportunities it provided for summer camp golf. In the years since that association ended, we didn't see much of each other, but no one who knew Sam ever forgot the pleasure that came with knowing him. Along with all the many wonderful things Sam did for his family and community - some of which were summarized in the paper - Sam had a magnificent sense of humor, a quick wit, and the ability to tell super stories.

May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. Please accept my sincere condolences. Allan Holmes

Kaori Sullivan

December 28, 2016

Dear Toni and The Elkins Family,

My deepest sympathy as Sam watches over you from heaven above. May God continue to comfort you and peace be with you.

December 28, 2016

Dear Toni, I am thinking of you and your family. I know Sam will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but especially missed by you, your children and grandchildren. Keeping you in my prayers, Suzy Farrell

J.L Roberson

December 28, 2016

My sincere condolence to Sam's family from a friend and business associate of long ago..
J.L. Roberson

December 28, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss, may the God of heaven be with all of you during this very difficult time.

Sherri Bouknight

December 28, 2016

Toni, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. We haven't talked in a while, but please know my thoughts are with you.

Sherri Bouknight

russ froneberger

December 28, 2016

Dear Toni, Kathy joins me in sending our deepest condolences on Sam's passing. I have many memories of golf outings at WildeWood with him.

December 27, 2016

Dear Toni and Family, Reading Sam's legacy was a look back at a time when we all lived in South Georgia and had wonderful times being together. I know great memories will be of comfort to you and your family. Please give my sincere sympathy to everyone. May he rest in peace. love, as ever, Martha Jo Felson Katz

December 27, 2016

Dearest Toni and family, there are not words to express my sadness for you as you say goodbye to such a loved one. I pray that you will be able to find God's comfort through this difficult time.
Love,
Anne Hightower-Patterson

December 27, 2016

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11

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