Bobby Ray Elkins

Bobby Ray “Big Daddy” Elkins, age 59 of Cumberland City, TN, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, TN. 

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Chapel of Nave Funeral Home with Bro. David Steppee officiating. 

 The Elkins family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service Monday at noon. 

 Bobby entered this life on March 17, 1965 in Nashville, TN, son to the late William Elkins and Peggy Baker Elkins.

 Bobby’s family would like to tell you a story about a man who loved to tell stories. A man full of life, love, and happiness; someone who would give, or do anything, for anyone else. He never met a stranger and in his early life, he found the trade of being a mechanic, and absolutely loved to get his hands dirty turning a wrench. His hands were working hands of many things, not just a tool. He would drywall a house, plumb a house, and even strip an HVAC unit just because he loved doing it. 

 His hands were not just used for work; this man loved to fish and travel. He could bait a hook any day, rain, snow, or shine. He always caught the bigger fish, even if he really didn’t. Fishing was his joy and he loved doing it with anyone who would entertain the idea of it. Fishing with his children, and grandchildren, brought the biggest smile to his face. Traveling with his wife was also a big part of his life, and he didn’t even travel to see things; they mainly would travel to eat. He loved food, and would go the longest distance to get a desired meal. 

 His hands were also giving hands, and he never met a stranger. He never said no to a need for anyone who asked. Whether he fixed a car for free, or gave the shirt off his back without a question, no task was too big for this man who had a heart of gold. His heart cared for and loved everyone. He was also so goofy and fun, and sometimes, that is all that someone needs; a smile or a story brought to them, by him. He could tell a story, and boy, if you ever heard one, you were blessed; he had the best ones. 

 Now to the part of his story which is the love he had for his family. His wife was his passion; they had 43 wonderful years together. He loved his wife and she was his number one. They never spent a day apart, where there was one, there was the other. Then came the children and grandchildren; they were his pride and joy, and even if they weren’t blood, he loved them like they were. He was happiest with every new edition that came. He loved his family with his whole being, and they loved every bit of his sassy, goofy, kind, giving, and loving soul. 

 What a better way to say “see ya later”, than to write a short story about a man who loved to tell stories. Talking about him has no comparison to each small topic that he would turn into a story, that would then turn to a bigger story, like he told his family his whole life. Now he gets to share his stories in Heaven. 

 In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by siblings, Anita Elkins, and Jackie Bowlen. 

 Survivors include his loving wife, Robyn Elkins; children, William Gilpin, Crystal (Mike) Wiener, Vivian Gilpin, Stephanie Elkins, Anita Elkins; siblings, Daryle Elkins, James Elkins, Harold Elkins, and Diane Elkins. Bobby also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Makayla Flint, Makenzie Meadows, Alexandra Wiener, Amelia Wiener, Dillan Gilpin, Nathan Gilpin, Chloe Lyon, Kacey Lyon, Brayden Lyon, Roger Baker, Riley Baker, Mati Baker, James Carter; great- grandchildren, Lakelynn Meadows, Remington Meadows, and Gracie Flint. 

 Serving as pallbearers will be Dillan Gilpin, Nathan Gilpin, Mike Wiener, Scott Hamilton, Dean Elkins (Oliver), Terry Smith, Bobby Baker, and Gary Baker. 

 In lieu of cemetery flowers, please send plants, and anything else that may be used in the Bobby Elkins Blessing Bags. 

 Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.