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Arlo Elkins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 1, 2012.

Arlo Elkins, Palmetto State tennis icon and longtime University of South Carolina women's tennis head coach, died Saturday, March 31, 2012 at his home in Columbia, SC. He was 62. Elkins had served as the head coach for the Gamecocks since fall 1983 and established a nationally prominent program that has reached the NCAA Tournament the past 17 seasons in a row. His teams consistently advanced beyond the first round of NCAAs and made it as far as the quarterfinals. The Gamecocks finished ranked among the nation's top 25 in 15 of his seasons as head coach. He accumulated well over 400 victories during his career and had a winning record in 22 seasons. His passion to see his student-athletes succeed extended beyond the tennis court as well. Elkins' teams typically posted GPAs well above 3.0 and as recently as spring 2011, the women's tennis team led all squads at Carolina with a nearly 3.6 GPA. Multiple times he was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Region Coach of the Year and he was the first coach in any sport at Carolina to be named SEC Coach of the Year. In 2003, he was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Association Hall of Fame. Before becoming a coach, Elkins played professionally and competed in the main draws at Wimbledon and the French Open. He also played in more than 50 different countries, and in 1978, Elkins was ranked among the top 200 in the world. Elkins graduated from Northwood Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in business in 1971. He was a four-year starter for the Midland, MI based school at No. 1 singles.

Arlo is survived by his mother, Norrine Norman Elkins of Rockford, Michigan; his wife of 34 years, Tara T. Elkins of Columbia; their children, Alyssa (Sammy) Rhodes of Columbia, Elliot Elkins of Ft. Myers, FL, Kelsey (Andrew) Mathias of Greenville; five grandchildren, Jayne Mac, Asher, Eloise, and Sadie Rhodes, and Charlie Mathias; one brother, Dan Elkins of Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his father, Ardie L. Elkins and a brother, Larry Elkins.

A memorial service will be held 3 o'clock, Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at The Zone at Williams Brice Stadium, 1127 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia. Burial will be in his hometown of Rockford, Michigan. Memorials may be made to LIVESTRONG, National Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 9, 2012

Georgia Stone Lazzaro

Arlo and I were 2nd cousins. My grandmother, Nellie was his father's sister. I remember all the Elkins boys, but was especially fond of Arlo since we were so close in age. I only wish we could have stayed close during our adult years. I can only imagine how wonderful a man he must have been. My sincere condolences to his family. Georgia Stone Lazzaro, Inverness, ILL.

April 10, 2012

J. Piereson

An old school mate remembers Arlo Elkins as a great basketball and tennis player, a fun loving and competitive friend, and, even at age 15, a person of strong principles and ideals. It is not surprising that he accomplished so much and was admired by so many. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace.

April 4, 2012

Kathy Gaffos

My heartfelt sympathy to Tara and all of Arlo's family...I have great memories of him from my days in Columbia and my children all loved being around him. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. I know Heaven will welcome him and his smiling face until we meet again...Godspeed, Arlo.

April 4, 2012

Deborah Zippel

I had the joy of working with Arlo at USC and competed in his tennis tournaments. I send my sympathies to Tara and all family. I am so incredibly sorry to not be able to share laughter with him anymore, at least not on earth. He will be deeply missed.

April 4, 2012

Mary Tyrell

My deepest symthpathy to Tara, children and grandchildren.

In our senior year at Rockford High School, Arlo said he wanted to make his living playing tennis. He accomplished this in grand style.

Mary Tyrell, Class of 1967

April 4, 2012

Sarah Myers

I met Arlo at the first USC indoor tourney I played in and many after. He was such a great guy to be around, and he was always cutting up with you and ran a heck of a tournament. He will definitely be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May those wonderful memories get you through the tough times.

April 4, 2012

Andy & Beaumont Riley

Arlo, I think everyone who knew you will miss you. I'm among that incalculable number. Your smile, your generosity, your easy going manner and hard-core drive. What a combination. May God bless your arrival in Heaven and keep your family in His embrace.

April 4, 2012

Jeaneen Tucker

We did not have the pleasure of knowing Arlo. Clearly he was a very special man who lived a life of purpose. Our son works at USC and let us know that we share a dreaded cancer. Please know our prayers are with the entire family at this sad time. May Gods mercy and love surround you all.
Steve & Jeaneen Tucker

April 4, 2012

Whitt Taber

I had the honor of coaching in the SEC against Arlo for many years, and it is with great sadness I write this message. Arlo not only was a great coach, but he made me a better coach through our time together. I always will appreciate our battles, and how he looked out for me as a young coach coming up through the ranks even though we were competitors. My admiration and appreciation of Arlo will always be with me.

April 4, 2012

Boo Major

Tara and Elkins family,
I am stunned and saddened by Arlo's passing. I am really going to miss our office chats but what I will miss most of all is Arlo sitting behind me and Mac at the football games telling me everything the Gamecocks should have done on the last play! I am also sad that he and I can no longer do dueling videos to see who could out do the other with key words or phrases. I will have a glass of good red wine in his honor...just wish it was from Michigan! We will really miss Arlo's voice coming down the hall in the Roundhouse. We are all deeply saddened and wish you all the comfort as we celebrate what a great and colorful life Arlo lived.

April 4, 2012

Chris Gilligan

Tara, Alyssa, Elliot, Kelsey and family,

I am so sorry to hear about Arlo. I will be praying for you all and I hope you can take comfort in all the great memories you have shared throughout the years. He was a great guy and I am so happy I was able to get to know him.

April 4, 2012

Eugenia Hardwick

Arlo was my friend and I am heart broken for all of his family, friends, coworker s, players and all the other lives that he touched with immense kindness, warmth and respect. Tara, my heart and soul hurt for you. May God give you strength, comfort and love through your grieving. I am sooooooo sad that I will be unable to attend the memorial service today. I will be there in spirit. God bless you and your family. With very sincere condolences, Eugenia Hardwick

April 3, 2012

Tara and family,
Our hearts break for your loss. Arlo was such a wonderful guy and will be so greatly missed.
Love and prayers,
Susan and Terry Sharpe

April 3, 2012

Dave & Mary Anne Burns

Having grown up across the street from the Elkins family, I have known and loved Arlo since the day he was born. He will be greatly missed and has left an unforgetable mark on this world. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family. Know that we will be near to support his mother. You are all in our prayers. Dave & Mary Anne Burns

April 3, 2012

Gordon Tucker

Our deepest sympathy to all of Arlo's family. We knew Arlo since he was a very small boy and are so proud of his accomplishments and his love for his family. Our hearts, love and prayers are with each one of you. Our hearts are sad and we will miss Arlo.Gordon and Midge Tucker, Rockford, MI

April 3, 2012

Dale Davis

Tara, I am so sorry to hear about Arlo's passing. He was always one of my favorite people in the Athletics Department. He would keep me laughing even when we were under pressure to get something done. He will surely be missed by anyone who ever met him.

April 3, 2012

Dottie Boatwright

Whoa! I am so sorry. He was too young for us to comprehend this. Tara, Alyssa and all the family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember a dedicated, loving father coming to see his Alyssa play softball on our North Trenholm Baptist church league. She always made him proud. I am so sorry for this loss. He could never be replaced. Just know I love and care for all of you and you are in my heart .

April 3, 2012

Kelsey-you, Charlie, and the rest of your family are in my prayers. In His Love, Vonnie Almond (BSF)

April 3, 2012

Tara and family - it is with the fondest memories that I think of Arlo. He was always happy when I worked with him and was the happiest when he talked of you all. He loved you all deeply. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you, Debbie Jacobi Calvo

April 3, 2012

Bernie McGuire

Diane and I feel the deepest sympathy for Tara and family. We enjoyed many a tournament together as doubles partners for over eight years and were able to travel and get to know each other's family. Arlo was always there to offer his help with the Southern 12's or the Pro Championships. Good times on and off court.

Bernie & Diane McGuire

April 3, 2012

Joe Felder

I met Arlo through his cycling adventures with the Odd Spokes. Arlo was always a very caring and funny guy. I remember fondly many times on the bike or after a ride listening to Arlo's stories about tennis and other things and people he cared about. Deepest sympathies to his family - he will be missed by so many people.

April 2, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Arlo's family. As a fellow coach I can say he had a great career and he was also great about giving programs not as good as his an opportunity to compete against his teams. He has competed in the Milwaukee Tennis Classic for the last four years and we always looked forward to having him and the team in Milwaukee. On behalf of the Marquette Women's team and Marquette University we have lost a great colleague and friend.
Jody Bronson

April 2, 2012

Tara and children of Arlo so deeply sorry to hear that he is gone,will remember happy times of Arlo in high school what a nice guy.You should be proud.Formerclassmate at Rockford High School class of 1967 Raquel Reyna VanDam. Stay srong,livestrong....

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