My deepest condolences to the Elkins family. I am heartbroken to hear about David's passing. I have known David for over 25 years as a work associate, and over those years, he has become a close and trusted friend. We would often get on the phone in the evenings to catch up on each other's lives. With David, you got precisely what you saw; there was no masquerade, and I loved that about David.

David would take the shirt off his back for you. I remember one year, while vacationing with my family on the North Carolina coast, we both laughed over a phone call because we went out fishing that day ahead of a planned fish fry, but we caught nothing. Then, to my surprise, David shipped enough Red Snapper for my entire family.

I also loved hearing his stories from his childhood in Alabama, such as the time he called Bear Bryant's house to express his displeasure over a Bama loss, only to have Bear's wife answer the phone.

To Melissa, Betsy, Chase, and his daughters, whom I did not have the pleasure of meeting, today is a very sad day for me. I will continue to think about David and reminisce with his other friends about the time we spent together and the stories we shared. Others and I have lost a dear friend. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.