Allen Ray Elkins was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 17, 1931 and passed away December 21, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wyatt and Ruby McKinney Elkins of Knoxville, Tn., and his beloved wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann Elkins, of Williamsburg, Va. He is survived by daughter Ashley Zesinger (Greg) of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and daughter Allison Elkins of Sandy Springs, Ga.; granddaughters, Amy Taylor Zesinger and Julie Ann Zesinger, brothers Gordon Elkins of Kingston Springs, Tn. and Norman Elkins (Linda) of Chattanooga, Tn., and niece Brittany Roberts (Harrison), and nephew Douglas Elkins (Allison).
He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War where he attained the rank of sergeant. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1957 where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. After graduation, Allen entered the Central Intelligence Agency in October, 1957.
During his 35 year career with the CIA, Allen served in a variety of positions at overseas locations and in Washington, D.C. In over eleven years of service in overseas posts, he was assigned to Okinawa; Frankfurt, Germany; Vientiane, Laos; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Rome, Italy. He was appointed to the National War College at Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C. where he graduated in the class of 1976. From 1983 to his retirement in 1988 he served as CIA's Director of Finance. Following retirement, Allen continued working as a contract consultant at the DCI Center for Security Evaluation until 1992.
He is the recipient of several citations and letters of commendation for his service over the years including the National Intelligence Certificate of Distinction (1979) and the CIA's Distinguished Intelligence Medal (1988), the CIA's highest award for service. Allen is a Life Member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), and the National War College Alumni Association. He also served as president of the Williamsburg Chapter of the Central Intelligence Retirees Association (CIRA), and then served on the National Board of Director's for CIRA from 2001-2005.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at Williamsburg United Methodist Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Allen's name may be made to the Williamsburg United Methodist Church where he was a long time member, and served the church for several years as a member of the Finance Committee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg.
January 12, 2018
Doris and Jorge Bernardini
My friendship with Allen and Pat dates back to Frankfurt days. I have fond memories of our trip home on the USS Constitution from Genoa. Later, Jorge and I enjoyed visiting them in their homes in Reston and in Williamsburg. Allen was a great guy, a true friend, and we cherish the memories of our time with him.
January 11, 2018
Betty
Rest in peace my friend "In The Mansions of the Lord."
January 3, 2018
Paul Burns
I saw Allen's obituary in AFIO's publication. Allen and I served together many years ago in the Dominican Republic, and we remained friends ever since. A sad day.
January 1, 2018
Read Charlton
Just learned of Allen's passing, and Ann and I are just
so sorry. I was a close friend throughout my career. Just a
wonderful human being -- a friend, a buddy, we're just
too crushed to say more. Goodbye, Allen -- we'll
see you on the other side. Read and Ann Charlton
December 28, 2017
Griffin
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
December 28, 2017
enjoyed playing golf with Allen during the years the Williamsburg gang played the Outer Banks gang twice a year , once in each town. Fortunately the Outer Banks gang usually won but the Williamsburg gang were good losers. Semper Fi.Allen., Bill OBrien
December 27, 2017
M P
My sincere thoughts and prayers are for all of you. Mr. Elkins spent a day with me as his tour guide during a plane stop in Ivory Coast.....and he recruited me to join Finance as we drove back to the airport. I have always been grateful and never forgot him. He opened another door of many opportunities and challenging and rewarding assignments for me.
December 27, 2017
Semper Fi Marine, RIP.
December 27, 2017
Jim McInnis
Allen and I began our friendship as members of the same JOT class and it was one that endured throughout our intertwining careers and into retirement. As his family, friends, and those who worked with him already know, Allen was a great and caring person and someone who will truly be missed.
December 26, 2017
Ahdinah Smith
Dear Allison,
Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. I'm here for you...
December 26, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. May the God of all comfort soothe your grief.
December 25, 2017
M C
I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Allen. May you find Comport from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14
December 24, 2017
Kathryn Teaster
Dear Allison,
Just a note to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your father and loved one.
We are never ready for the time we have to say goodbye to our loved ones, but at least, he suffers no longer.
Now I pray you will grieve for him in a healthy manner and always cherish your memories of him.
In Him,
December 24, 2017
Sheila Caulfield
To the family of Allen Elkins: I am deeply saddened by the passing of Allen and hope you can find solace in your wonderful memories of this special man. My late husband, Bill Caulfield, served as Allen's Deputy Director of Finance for several years until Bill's retirement in 1985. Bill always spoke very highly of Allen and had great respect for him in his leadership. God bless you always.
December 24, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May you find a measure of comfort in fond memories, as well as, from the prayers, kind words and deeds of family and friends. May God comfort and soothe your hearts with an everlasting comfort and good hope, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17.
December 24, 2017
Al S
I always appreciated Allen sending me to French language school before my Switzerland assignment. He may have been the first Director of Finance to send admin employees to foreign service language school. It was an honor and pleasure to work for Allen who also worked with my father in the 70s.
December 23, 2017
Tuna
Dear friend and colleague for 53 years: "May the Lord Bless You and Keep You. May He Cause the Light of His Countenance to Shine Down Upon You and Give You Peace."
December 23, 2017
Michele Dampier Carney
Allen (Mr. Elkins to me) was my first Director of Finance after EODing in 1987. I had limited interaction with him as Director since I had just EOD'ed so I was so impressed a few years later after he retired, that he recalled my name when I ran into him at the yearly retirement ceremony. I'll always remember that.
My sincere condolences to the family.
December 23, 2017
Mom and Dad Zesinger
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
December 22, 2017
Harry Mason
Sincere condolences.
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