Lee Eric Akins

With grieving hearts, we announce that Lee Eric Akins, age 54, passed away on April 28, 2026. He is now healed, whole, and rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord he served, and with loved ones who met him there.

Lee was a loving and faithful husband to his wife, Mitzi. They were married for twenty-six and a half years. He was a devoted and loving father to his children Gracie and Joshua. He was so much more to so many people.

Lee was a Christian who strived to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. He was blessed by and thankful for his calling into music ministry. He led his family with faith, and helped raise his children to know the Lord. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

Lee and his wife, Mitzi, met as students at Carson-Newman College. They married on September 12, 1999. He honored his wedding vows faithfully. Lee and Mitzi had a wonderful life together, full of love, laughter, music, adventures, and faith. They shared heartbreaks, too, including losing one child to miscarriage, the death of their infant son, Kelby, and the deaths of Lee's parents and Mitzi's mom. Through it all, Lee was faithful and devoted to his family. He was hard-working. He worked many different jobs over the years, sometimes multiple jobs at once, to provide for his family.

Lee loved to surprise his wife with gifts of purple flowers, and date nights. He was an example to his daughter Gracie of what to look for in a good man. Lee's son Joshua said that he was a "bright light in our family." He loved "Dad Jokes" and would share them every chance he could. His kids loved his original "Dad Dance," which he performed for them enthusiastically. He gave the best hugs and had a "beaming smile." He loved to cook and to try new recipes. He was selfless, often putting others' needs before his own comfort. He was a loyal, giving, and fun friend. He loved his personal traditions and inside jokes with family and friends.

Lee earned his Bachelor's degree in Church Music from Carson-Newman College in 1994. He was involved in church music in several ways since he was in high school; as a pianist, vocalist, choir director, orchestra director, and Music Minister. He served in both Baptist and Methodist churches. He also produced the Living Christmas Tree at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Morristown for several years. Lee taught private piano lessons for many years. He played the trumpet and the french horn, but his favorite was the piano. He was, according to many, a brilliant musician. Music was his calling and his gift from God, and Lee used that gift to serve God and others. He led music and played piano with worship in his heart, integrity, passion, talent, skill, creativity, and conviction.

Lee loved attending concerts, the opera, and theater, both plays and musicals. He also loved acting. He was involved in numerous productions over the years with multiple theater groups. Lee served in many roles, including actor, musical director, director, and accompanist. Lee was a joy to watch on stage. Lee and his wife Mitzi had the joy of performing together in several shows.

There's just not space here to fully describe this wonderful man. Lee was God's gift to his family.

Lee was preceded in death by: his baby who died in miscarriage; his son, Kelby Lee Akins; and his parents, George and Shirley Akins.

Left behind to cherish his memory are: his wife, Mitzi Akins; his daughter, Gracie Akins; his son, Joshua Akins; his sister, Lynell (Rick) Lowe; his brother, Carl Akins; his father-in-law/"Dad #2", Mitchell (Sandra) Price; his brother-in-law, Will Price; nieces and nephews, and a huge extended family and friends. Lee was loved by so many, and will always be missed. A Celebration of Lee's Life is being planned and announced at a later date.