Charles Boyd Elkins

Charles Boyd Elkins, Jr. entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 7, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Born on December 26, 1931, in Middleton, Georgia, to Boyd and Joanna Elkins, Charles lived a life marked by deep faith, humility, and contentment.

An avid outdoorsman, Charles loved spending time hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was especially thankful for the godly example set by his parents, whose legacy of faith profoundly shaped the man he became.

Charles’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life and deeply impactful to all who knew him. As a dedicated research scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, he worked at the University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, and Auburn University. He found joy in exploring God’s creation through science, mentoring graduate students, and publishing numerous scientific papers. Following his retirement from the USDA, he served as Superintendent of the Auburn University Plant Science Research Center.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Agronomy and Soils from the University of Georgia. During his time there, he joined the ROTC program and was later commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Charles served his country with pride and honor for over 13 years, both on active duty and in the Army Reserves.

Above all, Charles’s life was defined by his devotion to Christ, family and friends. His selfless care for his mother in her later years, the many stories shared by friends about his quiet impact, and his steadfast love for his wife, children, and church community all stand as a testament to God’s grace in his life and his love for others.

On April 4, 1964, Charles married the love of his life, Ila Ann (Maddox). Their 61 years of marriage were marked by mutual devotion, generosity, and deep faith.  He was a man of patience, wisdom, and quiet strength—content each day in God’s provision. A faithful member of Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama, Charles served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, Carpenter’s for Christ volunteer, and a mentor to young men for many years. In 2019, Charles and Ila relocated to Athens, Georgia, to be closer to family, and became members of Prince Avenue Baptist Church.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Ila; his sister Joanne Martin and his children, David Elkins (Daralyn) of Huntsville, AL, and Dianna Hill (Andy) of Athens, GA; and his grandchildren: Taylor Douthit (Micah), Ryan Elkins (Rachel), Olivia Hardy (Liam), Madeline Thompson (Micah), Abigail Hill, and Jack Elkins. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Charles, Elizabeth Jane, Reese, and Ellis.

Dianna and David are thankful for the compassionate care our Dad received from the dedicated staff at Presbyterian Village —and above all, for the unwavering love, care and devotion of his faithful wife and our Mom.  Dad also expressed this same gratitude until his last days.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lakeview Baptist Church Missions fund. Online at https://www.lakeviewbaptist.org/give/ OR by mail: Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 East Glenn Ave Auburn, AL 36830

Funeral services will be 3:00pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1:30pm prior to the service. Burial will follow in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.