Ronald David Elkins

Mr. Ronald David Elkins, 58, of Dalton, passed away Wednesday December 16, 2009 at Hamilton Medical Center.
He was the son of the late, Richard L. and Rosalee Bell Elkins and was preceded in death by his bothers, Wayne Elkins and Bobby Elkins.
David was a dedicated policeman with the Dalton Police Department for 20 years.
David was a loving and devoted father, husband, grandfather, brother, cousin, friend, mentor and so much more. During his time as a police officer, he took care of the Dalton community like it was his own family by saving lives, protecting the innocent and upholding the law as if he had written it himself. Just recently he saved the life of a newborn infant who was choking. He devoted time to the Toy for Tots Champaign even dressing up as Santa and delivering presents to needy children.
His generosity, love and concern for others showed in his daily life in every word he spoke and every action he took. One of his priorities was raising his children to make their mark by becoming loving, independent and devoted members of society. He always wanted us to make our own way. That’s what he wants for everyone, to make their own way. He loved to make people around him laugh. His sense of humor with life helped us get through good times and the bad, laughing all the way through. He taught us to take down times and turn it into laughter. All of his doctors and nurses would tell you “that Mr. Elkins, we love him so much” “he’s so sweet”, “he sure is a trip.” He loved to be outdoors in the sun, and the warmth it brought him gave him peace and happiness. He would sit outdoors for hours in the sunlight. Now every time we look at the sun, we will smile knowing he is up there looking, down at us, with that contagious smile of his that we got to see throughout his beautiful life.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Dianna Smith Elkins of Dalton; daughters and son-in-law, Jodie Elkins and Judie Elkins Rahman and her husband Robbin all of Atlanta; son, David Ross Elkins of Dalton; sisters, Dorothy Bentley of Pelham, GA., Mildred Thompson of Albany, GA., Delores Willis of Port St Joe, FL. and Jan and Bobby Davenport of Palm Coast FL.; grandchildren, Bryson King and Sophia Rahman; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1 P.M. Saturday from the First Assembly of God with the Rev. David Knight the Rev. Larry Green and the Rev. Ted Miller officiating.
Burial will follow in Whitfield Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Friday after 5 P.M.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to M Battery, 314 Marines Toys for Tots, 4051 Amnicola Hwy., Chattanooga, Tn. 37406.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.