Joseph "Joe" Albert Akin Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Joseph ‘Joe’ Albert Akin, Jr. He spent his final days in the care of hospice, surrounded by the love of his family, after suffering a severe stroke. To many, Joe was unequivocally a kind and welcoming soul who never met a stranger, always making others feel at home. He fulfilled his high school’s prediction of being “Most Likely to Succeed,” living a life of achievement and purpose.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Albert Akin, Jr was born on April 13, 1938, to Joseph Albert Akin, Sr. and Cornelia Summers Ramos Akin. Joe grew up with his sister, Judy, in College Hills, near Birmingham Southern College.

Joe’s life was deeply touched by his grandfather, Reverend John Wilson “JW” Akin, who co-planted McCoy Memorial Methodist Church, originally named Owenton Methodist Episcopal Church. Most of Joe’s stories involved time spent in the MYF at McCoy. Joe was also involved in YMCA programs, where he excelled in sports. Joe was a standout student at Graymont School, being twice double-promoted, and an all-around academic student at John H. Phillips High School. He was voted “Best Looking” and “Most Likely to Succeed,” and was the class president his senior year. He was also a promising athlete at Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) before a broken neck ended his wrestling career. He was a legacy member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity while pursuing his degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating from Auburn, his first career position was in New Jersey with Worthington Corporation.

Upon his return to Alabama for a position at Worthington Corporation’s Decatur, AL plant in 1962, Joe met his lifetime mate, Jan Marie Ward of Hartselle AL. They wed December 28, 1963, in Decatur, AL. Shortly after the wedding, they were transferred to the Mountain Brook, AL, office. Then, in 1970, their first daughter, Lynn, was born. In 1977, their second daughter, Savanah, was born sleeping.

Through the years, Joe was well respected in his work life. He achieved significant advancement and many accolades for his “easy approach in the difficult areas” of the mechanical climate control industry. In 1977, Joe created his own sales organization, Delta Air Systems, which he sold to his partners in 1985 to take a management position with Energen/Alagasco. He held various positions and retired after 22 years of service as Manager of Commercial Core Marketing.

He kept busy during retirement, building an HVAC apparatus and obtaining several patents with his friend and associate, Dr. David Dyer, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University. Joe and David received four U.S. patents for engineering models and inventions. Along with his Alagasco work associate and best friend Tom Pams, Joe designed and brought to the proving stage a combination heating/cooling unit intended to revolutionize the construction of climate systems, providing peak efficiency and space savings for public housing.

Not only was Joe entrenched in the engineering body of Auburn University, but he was also a devout Auburn football fan. For 40-plus years, Joe was a season ticket holder. Jan and Joe were involved as committee members for the design and reveal of the Aubie mascot costume and were inducted into Auburn’s Tigers Unlimited, Eagle Society, Foy Society, and Samford Society.

Joe was a member of Hoover Country Club, playing along with Jan in a foursome known as “The Mutt and Jeff Group” and in the couple’s scramble called “The Moonbeamers.” They enjoyed traveling to play golf at courses across America. They were both active members of Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church, where they sang in the choir and were very involved in many activities.

Joe never met a stranger! He was a strong-willed individual who stood up for truth and would go to battle with you and never “jump ship.” I love this: Joe was a keen observer of those he knew well and all he wished to greet and come to know, which drew others to him.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura ‘Lynn’ Akin Frasier (Louis), and two granddaughters, Evan ‘Evie’ Summers Elkins and Elise McKinley Elkins, all of Birmingham, AL. A step-grandson, Samuel Beck Frasier of Guntersville. He is also survived by his nieces, Louise Thomas Burke of Marietta, GA and Rebecca ‘Becky’ Thomas of Indian Springs, AL; great-nephew, Daniel Burke of Marietta, GA; great niece, Kelli Burke Demaskey (Chris) and great-great, Lillian Reagan Demaskey all of Ellijay, GA.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jan Marie Ward Akin; his daughter, Savanah (stillborn); his sister/brother-in-law, Judith Anne Akin Thomas (John, Jr.); a niece, Mary Joan Thomas-Brewer; and his parents, Joseph Albert Akin, Sr. and Cornelia Summers Ramos Akin.

We invite friends and family to join us in honoring Joe’s memory and celebrating his life on Saturday, March 22nd at Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church, 1817 Patton Chapel Rd, Hoover, AL 35226.

A visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am. There will be a reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The family will have a private inurnment at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

Your presence would mean so much to our family during this difficult time. We look forward to sharing memories and celebrating the life of a truly wonderful man who touched so many hearts. For those unable to attend in person, please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Joe's wishes for support may be offered with a tribute in contribution to any of the following: the ASPCA or a local animal shelter, Wounded Warrior Project, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church.