Herbert Joe Elkins

Herbert Joe Elkins, 94, of Oceana left his earthly home to be with his heavenly father Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Raleigh General Hospital, following a long illness.

Born June 23, 1926, in Man, WV, he was the son of the late Ida Miller Elkins and Walter G. Elkins.

Herbert served in the U.S. Navy as a coxswain V-6, he was awarded several medals: China Services, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.

He was active in sports and was a member of a gospel quartet, called The Golden Keys. He was also the first Boy Scout Master of Oceana. He was employed at Harris Mines as a dispatcher for many years.

He was a charter member, Deacon and Choir Director of Faith Baptist Church of Matheny. He remained active in the church until his death.

Herbert was a much beloved son, husband, father, uncle and brother. He will be missed by family, friends and the community where he lived most of his life.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet G. Reed and his second wife of fifty-one years, Janice Meredith Elkins; four brothers, Ed, Arlie, Walter Jr. and Calvin; and two sisters, Gladys and Ruth.

Herbert is survived  by a daughter, Sherryll Elkins of Beckley; a step-daughter, Sonja Meredith Ksiazkiewicz and her husband, Richard of Oceana; a step-son, John Dow Meredith III of Saulsville; two sisters, Helen Brown of Oceana and Rosie Phares and husband, Eddie of Circleville; four grandchildren, Galen, Derrick and Kayla Ksiazkiewicz and Sonia Joshie; two great-grandchildren, Kassandra and Richard Watson of Venice, FL; a host of nieces and nephews; and many friends, neighbors and his church family.

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