Obituary of Elmer G Larkins

MSG (Retired) Elmer G. Larkins, 86 of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center following complications from exposure to Agent Orange and diabetes. Mr. Larkins was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee but had lived in many areas of the country including Jefferson City, MO, Venice FL and for the last 14 years, back in Hawkins Co. in Church Hill, TN. Known as "Hot Shot" MSG Larkins was retired from the U.S. Army having served 21 ½ years. During his service he served in Germany, Japan, Viet-Nam and on Okinawa. He was also retired as the Chief Engineer from the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, MO. A member of West View Baptist Church, Kingsport he was also a member of both the VFW and the American Legion. In his spare time, Mr. Larkins enjoyed fishing, gardening, just watching his flowers grow and bloom and watching nature from his back porch. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Kyle and Minnie Myrtle Vaughn Larkins. MSG Larkins is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary "Betts" Elizabeth Bellamy Larkins of the home; his daughters, Sandra "Sandy" Larkins Carson & husband Robert, Phyllis Ann Larkins Cage & husband Larry Eugene; four grandchildren, Buck Bailey "Pollock", Shawn Carson "Henry" , Larry Gordon Cage "Charlie", and Marianne Burbridge "Cotton Top"; great-grandchildren, Kristina & Christian Ty Burbridge and Dillon Parker, Emily, Camden and Caleb Cage, and Harley & Carson Bailey; his sister, Velma Larkins Cline & late husband Orland; his late infant brother, James Kyle Larkins, Jr.; along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 noon on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 1115 Hwy 11W, Church Hill. Funeral services will be in the chapel at12 noon with Pastor Mike Stout, officiating. Military graveside services will follow at Church Hill Memory Gardens, Church Hill conducted by the American Legion Post #3 and Post #265 with Pastor Mike Stout, officiating. Pallbearers will be his family and friends. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Larkins family.