Obituary of Ronnie Lane "Goose" Elkins

Ronnie Lane "Goose" Elkins was Born April 6, 1938, and passed into Heaven October 24, 2017, in the privacy of his home surrounded by family who loved him.

Visitation will be Friday night from 5:00-8:00 at Mt. Union Baptist Church, in Spearsville, with service to follow at 10:00 on Saturday morning, with Reverends Robbie Lawson, Marcel McGee, Marty Black and James Miller officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

From his early years, Goose was an avid and agile athlete who loved basketball and baseball and could jump "out of the gym" in his day. He continued to play ball until his early 50's and loved teaching the game to younger folks who'd "listen". He was never too busy to open the gym for some pick-up games after work or on the weekends. He loved going to ball games and watching all of the kids progress in their respective sport.

He loved practical jokes and pushing buttons. He was always one to help anyone his community. Nothing gave him greater satisfaction than helping others. Whether it was planting a garden and sharing the food he grew with everyone around or checking on someone when they were sick, he loved making others feel loved. Watermelons were what he was most proud of inside his garden. He always knew how to grow a sweet melon and was never too busy to drop one off to someone he cared about just to help brighten their day. If he thought enough of you, you might even get a "crow-pecked melon" to brighten your day.

Nothing showed his love for taking care of others more than the way he took care of his mother. After losing his Father to Cancer at a young age, he honored his Fathers' request that he make sure his Mother was taken care of, living right beside her for over 50 years, until her passing at 99 years of age. He did what God directs by honoring his Father and Mother. After God, family was his number one priority.

He was a loving father and grandfather to "His Boys", seldom missing any event they had going on in their lives. From ball games to school events to ribbon cuttings, he made time to always be there. He was always an avid supporter. He chose to be involved and represent what a Dad should be to his family.

You'd never hear him say a bad word about another human being. He had a host of friends over the years who he always attempted to stay in touch with. He cherished a visit with anyone who had the time to sit for a spell and talk things over.

His love for gospel singing was great and he always kept it going in the car anytime he rode somewhere. He said it was a small piece of Heaven when he listened to it.

He will be sorely missed by all who have been touched in some way by him.

He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Toy and Lois Elkins. Left to Cherish his memory are his spouse of almost 51 years, Betty Elkins, one son Stan Elkins and wife Sheryl, two grandsons Triston and Canyon Elkins who were his life and all reside in Spearsville, LA. Lastly, one adopted grandson, Stefano Merlo of Moncalieri, Italy. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Albritton, Wess Bowen, Mike Clark, Marvin Collins, Brian Elkins, Daniel Elkins, Jay Evans, Brian Harris, and Gerald Moring.

Honorary pallbearers will be Welby Ward, Tom Elkins, Hez Elkins, Bobby Elkins, Frankie Bennett, Boyce Elkins, Gerry Lane Courtney, R.V. Lockwood, Charlie Futch, Dale Rockett, Mike Holley, Joe Preaus, Triston Elkins, Canyon Elkins, and Lapase Wells.

A Special Thanks to Dr. Brian Harris who took great care of Goose. Many Thanks to Jennifer Thomas and the staff of Professional Hospice Care for their prompt attention to his care. Thanks to the doctors and staff of Glenwood and Reeves Memorial Staff for great care as well.