Carle T Elkins

Carle Taliaferro Elkins, Jr., of St. Augustine, FL, passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2026. Carle was born in St. Augustine on October 27, 1933, to Dr. Carle T. Elkins (DDS) and Lucy Elkins. He graduated from Ketterlinus High School in 1952, where he served as photographer for The Independent, the school newspaper. Photography, initially a hobby he shared with his grandfather, would become his lifelong profession. Carle’s college education was interrupted during his sophomore year when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. Stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, in the dental corps, he took full advantage of the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. After completing his two and a half years of service, Carle returned to the United States and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Still drawn to photography, he continued his studies at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, completing an extensive schedule of work from still to film requirements. Upon returning to Florida, Carle joined United Technologies, where he built a successful career providing photography services from still imagery to television production for over twenty-six years. After retiring, he reunited with his fraternity friend Patrick Ellis. Together they enjoyed life in Key West before eventually returning to St. Augustine for the good life as we know. Carle was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Alice Grady Elkins, sister Lucy Evelyn Mancini, and his life partner of 54 years Patrick Ellis. He is survived by his nieces Adrienne Mancini and Margaret Schulte (Dave), his nephew David Mancini and family, as well as his life friends and caregivers Tom Caswell and Chad Reed. Cremation is being handled by St. Johns Family Funeral Home. No services are planned but celebrations of life will be frequent. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory will be appreciated to help our furry friends in the venues of your choice.

Carle T Elkins

October 27, 1933 - May 29, 2026