William Elko

William Franklin (Billy) Elko, 80, of Chester, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, July 24, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Born August 18, 1933 in Matoaca, he was the son of the late Michael Elko, Sr. and Mary Hanzlik Elko, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Elko, Jr. and Frank Elko, Sr. He was a faithful and devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Colonial Heights where he served as an usher. Billy was a retired employee of Dominion Virginia Power where he was employed for 38 years. Being raised in a farming family made him an avid gardener and outdoorsman; he loved NASCAR, Richard Petty, and fishing. Billy had a kind and friendly heart. He was always willing to lend a hand and offer a smile. He was a very hard worker and his strict farming work ethic was carried throughout his entire life. Billy was a person who gave so much and thought of himself last. Billy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family dearly and they loved and adored him. He will be truly missed and will live in our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances Nelson Elko; three devoted daughters, Terri Burch and husband, Stan of Chesterfield, Kimberly Cregger and husband, Brian of Dinwiddie, and Donna Burton and husband, Charles of Chester; four loving granddaughters, Shelly McBride, Susan Fucci, Christina Burch, and Ashton Burton; two great-grandchildren, Madison McBride and Brenden Cregger; a brother, Alfred Elko and wife, Judy; three sisters, Sister Mary Elko, Rose Uzel, and Alice Baroni and husband, Angelo; two special friends, Robert Balducci of Colonial Heights and Bertha Phillips of Chester. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2014 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with Fr. Lou Ruoff, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the church. Anyone wishing to make contributions in his honor can be made to St. Ann Catholic Church. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.