Firefighters, Bell Buckle honor Elkins

Friday, May 8, 2009
T-G Staff Reports

Firefighters from Bell Buckle, Unionville, Bedford County and Shelbyville honor Elkins as his casket is carried to the grave site by the 1950 fire truck he was instrumental in purchasing for Bell Buckle's volunteer fire department more than 50 years ago.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)
[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

It was standing room only at Bell Buckle United Methodist Church as residents, friends and family joined veterans and firefighters to say farewell to one of their own.

James W. Elkins, who passed away Monday, was laid to rest Thursday afternoon at Hazel Cemetery after a service filled with memories and music.

A bagpiper led a color guard of firefighters into the church, then played at the cemetery. Two ladder trucks suspended a giant American flag over the downtown area for the funeral procession to drive under, and an Army bugler played 'Taps' at the graveside service.

"James would have loved this," said Rev. Beth Ezell, who spoke at the cemetery. "He loved ceremony."

Comments

Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or Create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable. Please also note that those who post comments on t-g.com may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

Farewell to a "special" man.

-- Posted by bluedevil22 on Fri, May 8, 2009, at 10:16 AM

How fitting that James' last ride would be on the firetruck that was symbolic of the birth of the Bell Buckle Fire Department! Kudos to Chief Lokey and many others for making this an occasion that befit the lifelong record of service rendered by this gentleman. "Well done" to all, including the T-G for your excellent coverage of the positive contributions made to the town, the county, and our country, by Mr. James Elkins. Farewell, my Friend...

-- Posted by dkd57 on Fri, May 8, 2009, at 12:19 PM

Such a kind, gentle, good man. It was a privledge to know him and live in the same town. I'll miss seeing him drive the old jeep around town during special events. Rest well Chief.....

-- Posted by ralphsview on Sat, May 9, 2009, at 8:59 AM