On December 7, 1957, the third child was born to Elvin and Frances Louvenia Samuels Masline, and was named Elvin Bernard. He was raised in a loving family comprised of nine siblings, and he and his brothers were taught carpentry skills by their father that would equip him for a successful career later in life. Elvin
attended Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with his family, where he received Christ as his Savior and Lord at a young age, and was baptized by Rev. S. A. Thomas. He was placed on District 8, Deacon Clarence Griffin, Leader.

Elvin, affectionately known as “Skeeter,” graduated in 1975 from William M. Raines High School. He enlisted first in the National Guard, and later in the U.S. Army where he served as a Traffic Management Coordinator throughout his military career. Although he was stationed in many locations around the world, his favorite post was in Frankfurt, Germany. Elvin was honorably discharged in 1986. He was a dedicated and trusted employer with Harbinger Signs, utilizing the skills he had developed as a youth under the tutelage of his
father. Elvin was a master carpenter, and he and his brothers continued their father’s legacy as small business men throughout the city. And the legacy is being passed on to their sons.

Joined in Holy Matrimony to his childhood sweetheart, Cynthia Godbolt Masline, they shared life as one for 36 wonderful years and are the proud parents of three sons, three daughters, and 14 ½ grandchildren. Besides being a great family man, he also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hanging out with friends and watching the Dallas Cowboys, FSU Seminoles and the UF Gators. There was nothing like a good meal that included fish or chicken.

God called Elvin Bernard Masline, Sr., home on July 18, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin and Frances Masline; and brothers, Sheldon Masline and Terry Masline.

Skeeter’s memory will be cherished by his loved ones: his devoted wife, Cynthia G. Masline; daughters, Centralia Shavon Masline, Daniela Masline and Constance A.Masline; sons, Elvin B. Masline, Jr. (La’Ciara), Brian Masline (Vanessa) and Michael Masline (T’neisha); grandchildren, Shanari, Sonay, Brandon, Malakhi, Deshawn, Briona, Kiara, Serenity, Brian, Jr., Amore, Alyssa, Melanie, Savannah and Kamden; sister, Gwendolyn Collins; brothers, Jarret L. Masline (Debra), Dea. David J. Masline, Sr. (Sharon), Tommy A. Masline (Deborah), Wally R. Masline, Rodney E. Masline and Henry D. Masline (Andrea); aunts, Carolyn Aldridge ((Clement), Marilyn Gauze (Rev. James), Mary White, Kareema Akber (Kareem) and Ann Moore (Charlie); uncles, Earl Samuels (Patricia) and Cornelius Samuels; mother-in-laws, Mrs. Vanilla Godbolt;
sister-in-law, Shirlene Williams (Leon); brother-in-law, Kenneth Godbolt; a host of nieces, to include Nichole English and Chiquitha Williams; multiple nephews, cousins, other relatives and special friends.