Abner “Joe” Joseph Elkins, Jr. (Moonhawk) departed this life February 19, 2016 after a long battle with renal disease. Joe passed at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born August 9, 1947 in Montezuma, Georgia, Joe grew up in Byron, GA where he attended Byron High School. He then went on to graduate from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro with a degree in Fine Arts. Joe served in the United States Army from 1971-1973 and was stationed in Panama Canal Zone. He returned to the states and in 1975 married Lucile Pagel. The couple had three daughters.  An artist in all respects, Joe won numerous awards at art shows and for the work he created while employed at the Macon Telegraph.

Joe and his family moved to Jasper in 1988 and he was selected to design many of the Marble Festival Road Race Shirts. He was a true artist and was able to give life to words, images and music. Joe Moonhawk walked to the beat of his own drum and inspired others to do the same.  ~Aho~

Preceeded in death by his parents, A.J. and Willie Mae Elkins and his sister, Patricia Joiner- Peavy. Survived by his wife of 40 years Lucile; his daughter and son-in-law Jess and David White; daughter and son-in-law, Emma Elkins and Jonathan Terry; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Brandon Curley; ten phenomenal grandchildren whom he adored Owen, Shae, Bodhi and Vivi White, Isby Terry, Lane Curley; sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Earl Dorsey; brother-in-law, Johnny Pagel; several nephews, nieces and great nieces and nephews.