Clarence Edward Elkins, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed into eternal life on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. He was 76. A native of Bedford County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Clarence Edward and Lorene Wood Elkins of the Rover community. He resided in Smyrna. Clarence is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Alice Blythe Elkins; daughter, Anne Marie Powell and her husband Kevin of Nashville; son, Steven Elkins and his wife Andrea of Nolensville; grandson, Sam Powell of Nashville; and numerous beloved family members and friends. A member of LifePoint Church (formerly the First Baptist Church of Smyrna), Clarence faithfully taught a men's Sunday school class there for many years. Clarence was a 1957 graduate of Community High School in Unionville, TN and a 1961 graduate of MTSU. He spent two years as a middle school teacher in rural Bedford and Rutherford Counties before attending Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where he graduated in 1966. Following his admission to the Tennessee Bar, Clarence resumed his career of public service by accepting a position as a staff attorney with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Three years later, he was asked to help organize and then direct the department's newly created Equal Employment Opportunity section. Clarence led TDOT's Equal Employment Opportunity section from 1969 until 1992, when he accepted an appointment to direct the Governor's Highway Safety Program. Following thirty years of service, he retired from his employment with the state in 1995. Clarence's retirement opened up new opportunities to pursue his many interests. In 1997, he began a new career as a part-time tour guide at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. His work at the Sam Davis Home renewed his long-held interest in history, particularly the history of the Civil War in Tennessee. Clarence understood the importance of studying history in order to equip current and future generations with knowledge to avoid past mistakes. He also greatly valued the many friendships he made while spending time at the Sam Davis Home. In addition to his work at the Sam Davis Home, Clarence enjoyed spending time with his family; traveling and visiting with his many friends; spending time and working on the Bedford County farm that has been in his family for over 175 years; reading and studying history, genealogy and theology; and storytelling. Clarence also enjoyed listening to and learning about Bluegrass music. Clarence was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Rutherford County Historical Society. He also formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Smyrna Senior Citizens Center. In 2010, then Governor Phil Bredesen recognized Clarence's work and commitment to preserving the history of Tennessee by appointing him to the Tennessee Historical Commission, where he served faithfully for the past five years. Clarence Elkins was a wise, kind and compassionate man who was committed to his family and to his faith. The manner in which he lived his life served as both a witness to his strong Christian faith and as a powerful role model to those fortunate enough to spend time with him. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro on Friday from 4pm - 8 pm and Saturday from noon - 1pm, with a funeral service to follow at 1 pm. Brother W.D. Thomason will officiate. Burial will follow in the Simpson Cemetery in the Rover community of Bedford County. Gordon Barrett, Jerry Hatcher, Michael Intorcia, Don Lamb, Philip Lester, Michael McClaran , Melvin Ralston, and Paul Whitaker will serve as pallbearers. Robert "Bud" Raikes, Larry Benton, John Birdsong, Jerry Burgess, Norman Collinson, Steven "Buck" Davis, Bobby Elkins , Kenton Hall, Leon Hogg, Ernest King, Patrick King, Bill Lamb, Michael Lester, Donald McClaran, Barnett McConnell, Joe McDevitt, Robert Moxley, Tom Powell, Tom Seat, Bob Wood, Fred Wood, Members of the Elkins Sunday school class at LifePoint Church, Sam Davis Home friends and the Tennessee Department of Transportation friends will all serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Enon Primitive Baptist Church, a church family that has meant a great deal to Clarence and his family for many years. Contributions should be sent in care of Ms. Brenda Lambert, 1401 Cherry Street, Shelbyville, TN 37160.