Steve Erskins, Jr.

Steve Erkins Jr. was born in Eufaula, Alabama on November 25, 1929 to the late Steve Erkins, Sr and Albertha Hill Erkins. Steve transitioned from this life on February 26, 2026. 

From his early years, he attended Britt Rosenwald School in Barbour County Alabama. Steve accepted Christ as his savior at an early age and joined Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church. Steve grew up with his parents and siblings in rural Barbour County Alabama working on his parents’ farm. 

Later, he followed his oldest sister to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined Canaan Baptist Church and served on Usher Board. He gained employment with AO Smith, where he worked many years. After leaving AO Smith, Steve became a businessman and opened his own tavern, “Steve’s Club Riviera”. His tavern was very popular and successful. He was well known in Milwaukee and will-liked. 

He loved old soul music and all of the oldies of that era. He loved watching old black and white movies and western cowboy shows. He enjoyed traveling, his family and friends. Steve loved eating a good home-cooked meal and being catered to. He was a master griller. His specialty was ribs that he cooked on his custom-built grill. 

After living in several states, he returned to Eufaula, Alabama. He reunited with Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church where he became Trustee. He loved praising God in the House of the Lord. 

Steve joined the Eufaula Senior Center. There he loved to play Bingo and Balloon Volleyball. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Steven Erkins Bailey of California; two sisters, Julia Owens of Eufaula, AL, Vernese Latham of Columbus, OH and a niece/sister Lynette Franklin (James) of Columbus, OH; two brothers, Moses Erkins (Vivian) of Eufaula, AL and James Erkins (Gloria) of Kosciusko, MS. Also mourning his death are seven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves a devoted friend, Mrs. Stella Lewis. As well, he leaves many friends at the Jaxon Life Senior Center of Eufaula, AL where he attended Monday through Friday.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Albertha Hill Erkins; one son, Jerry Erkins; two brothers, Rev. John Erkins and Wondrus Erkins; seven sisters, Emma Jackson, Annie L. Walton, Annie Dean Thomas, Thelma Forte, Lizzie Turner, Alma Cliatt and Jessie Chisolm. 

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