Elkins, far left, with Bradley and staff members. (Photo via MayorTomBradley.com)
Story Created:
May 9, 2010 at 3:49 PM PST
Story Updated:
May 9, 2010 at 11:09 PM PST
Funeral services will be Friday for William Elkins Jr., a special assistant to Mayor Tom Bradley who co-chaired every Bradley campaign for Los Angeles City Council and mayor, and governor of California.
Elkins died Wednesday of congestive heart failure at a convalescent hospital in Santa Monica, was 90.
According to Alison Sotomayor, who is producing a documentary about Bradley, Elkins met the future mayor while they attended Lafayette Middle School in South Los Angeles. They had a friendship that continued on through UCLA, where they pledged the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and Southwestern Law School.
Sotomayor said Bradley was Elkins' “best man'' when he married his wife, Eleanor. Elkins was also a member of Second Baptist Church for more than 70 years.
“He (Elkin) was also Bradley's emissary to federal agencies in Washington, D.C. and was responsible for several citywide programs, including the city's Area Agency for Aging and multiple youth programs,'' said Anton Calleia, a former chief executive assistant to Bradley.
“As the leader of Bradley's affirmative-action team, he played a major role in leveling the playing field not only for minorities but also, perhaps more importantly, for women in city service,'' Calleia said.
The son of a tailor who was also an undertaker, Elkins was born Jan. 20, 1920 in Forrest City, Ark. to William and Virginia Elkins. After moving to Los Angeles in 1933 with his parents and sister, Elkins became friends with Bradley at Lafayette Junior High School.
Elkins graduate from Jefferson High School, went to UCLA before he joined the Army and served four years in Italy during World War II. He returned to UCLA to finish his bachelor's degree in political science. While working a county probation officer, he earned a degree from Southwestern University School of Law.
In 1967, Elkins was named director of Teen Post, a county program that targeted poverty-ridden neighborhoods. He stayed until he went to work for Bradley.
After Bradley left office, Elkins served on the board of the Thomas Spiegel Family Foundation and was the philanthropy's vice president when he retired a few year ago. Since 1973, he lived in Leimert Park.
In addition to his wife, Eleanor, whom he married in 1945, Elkins is survived by his two sons, Bill and Larry, and two grandchildren.
A viewing of the body will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday at the Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Elkins' funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Ave. in Los Angeles.
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