Rev. Dr. Russell Alexander "Russ" Elkins, 76, of Adel, died Thursday March 13, 2025, at his residence.

He was born June 25, 1948, in Thomasville to the late Pearce Russell Elkins and the late Von Cile Morgan Elkins. He was a retired United Methodist minister with 45 years of service and was currently serving the Salem United Methodist Church and the Shiloh United Methodist Church. He graduated from Mercer University where he was a KA and also graduated from the Emory School of Theology from where he also received his Doctorate. His ministry, faithfully served at Blakely Circuit United Methodist Churches, Albany First United Methodist Church, Cuthbert United Methodist Church, Hand Memorial United Methodist Church in Pelham, Leesburg United Methodist Church, Eastman First United Methodist Church and Nashville United Methodist Church. He loved his family, strong in his faith and loved his Florida State Seminoles.

He is survived by his wife: Deanna Lennard Elkins of Adel; daughter: Amanda (Dennis) Green of Pensacola, FL; son: Brian Elkins of Panama City, FL; 2 grandchildren: Bradie Kay and Trace; brother: Lance Elkins of Thomasville.

A memorial service will be held Monday March 17, 2025, at 2 PM in the Nashville Methodist Church with the Rev. Craig Rikard and Rev. Gee Sprague officiating. Visitation will be in the church one hour prior to the service.