William Clarence Elkins

William Clarence Elkins, 78, of West Logan, West Virginia, gained his heavenly wings on August 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving and faithful family. He was born May 21,1946, the eldest child of the late Charles W. Elkins and Eunice Workman Elkins. He was also preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife of 31 years, Helen, as well as his nephews Robbie Collier and Michael David Elkins, and his brothers-in-law, Douglas Butcher and Bobby Collier.

Clarence is survived by his son C. Chad (Michael) Hayes-Elkins of West Logan, his brothers Dave (Judy) Elkins of Justice Addition, Terry (Karan) Elkins of Chapmanville, and his sisters Linda Collier and Mary Butcher, both of Chapmanville. In addition, he is survived by stepson Bobby Ray (Jackie) Bridges, his step-grandsons Jordan (Sidnie Rorrer) Bridges, and Caleb (Ashleigh) Bridges, stepdaughter Holly Miller, and her child Stevie (Liza Honaker) Miller. Clarence especially loved to spend time with his step-great-grandchildren, Gracie Bridges, Jackson Bridges, Lillianne Bridges, and Olivia Bridges. They brought him an immense amount of joy. Clarence also leaves behind his best friend Dottie Hall, and caregiver Helen Farmer, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.


Clarence was a graduate of Chapmanville High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Marshall University in 1968, and a master's degree in administration, also at Marshall, in1981. His career in education spanned well over 40 years, all served in Logan County. Starting at Logan Central Junior High as a teacher and coach, he eventually came home to his alma mater Chapmanville High School where he served as a teacher, head football coach, athletic director, and assistant principal, as well as assisting with coaching of the school's basketball and baseball teams. He finished his career as the principal of the Ralph R. Willis Vocational School. He also served as the director of vocational education for the county school system, and as the director of adult education. During his time at Ralph R. Willis, he also implemented the licensed practical nursing program, which has since produced countless nurses who have cared for the ill in our community. Among his many achievements, in 2004 he was inducted into the Chapmanville Regional High School Hall of Fame; he was also proud to serve on the board of directors for the Coalfield Health clinic for many years. After he retired, Clarence could be found at the Logan Church of the Nazarene, gladly assisting with many of the service and outreach projects at the church. Clarence was a kind, intelligent and witty man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Pallbearers will be: Brent Elkins, Jordan Bridges, Caleb Bridges, Hayden Elkins, Clay Dodrill, and Joey McDonough. Honorary pallbearers are: Kenny Zigmond, Eddie Griffith, Rob Dial, Ernest Amburgey, Jr., Danny Godby , and Jackson Bridges. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Logan Regional Medical Center, Charleston Area Medical Center, Dignity Hospice, Logan Church of the Nazarene, Rocky Hill Freewill Baptist Church, Chapmanville Regional High School, Ralph R. Willis Vocational School, and Akers-James Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday August 13, 2024 from 6-9PM at the Akers-James Funeral Home in West Logan. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11AM, at Akers-James Funeral Home, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Internment will be at Highland Memory Gardens directly following the funeral.

A scholarship fund is being established in Clarence’s memory with the Logan County Charitable and Educational Foundation. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Clarence Elkins Memorial Scholarship, c/o The Logan County Charitable and Educational Foundation, PO Box 1367, Logan, West Virginia 25601.