Wayne Clark Akins

Son of Marvin Nathaniel Akins and Ruby Beatrice Self Akins, Wayne was born on March 17, 1945 in Fulton County, Georgia. He graduated from College Park High School in College Park, Georgia in 1963 where he had been an accomplished athlete, a member of the school chorus and vice president of his class. Following high school, Wayne enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving his country in the 82nd Airborne Division until 1969. He spent the majority of his career as a Manager of Aircraft Services with Eastern Airlines. Following his time at Eastern Airlines, Wayne served as a corrections officer at the Atlanta City Jail until his retirement in 2008. Wayne married his beloved wife, Jean, on February 14, 1970 in College Park, Georgia and they have two children, Brian and Carrie. The family spent most of their life together living in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Wayne was an avid reader and a history buff. As the son of a World War II veteran and aircraft enthusiast, he was particularly interested in learning about aircraft used during the war and enjoyed visiting museums and exhibits featuring World War II era artifacts. He loved being in nature where he enjoyed fishing, camping and wildlife viewing including serving as a Scoutmaster for his son's Boy Scout Troop, Troop 76 in Fayetteville, GA. He was a kind and gentle soul who deeply loved his family and friends. Wayne never hesitated to help someone in need whether it be a family member, friend or stranger.

Wayne was preceded to heaven by his parents and oldest brother, Marvin Ray Akins. He is survived by his wife Jean Pledger Akins of Apex, NC; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Lindsey Akins of Huntsville, AL; his daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Kevin Aenmey of Apex, NC; his three grandchildren, Jason Aenmey, Abigail and Camille Akins, his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Jack Patterson of Canton, GA; his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Sandra Akins of Fayetteville, GA; his brother and sister-in-law Ward and Patricia Akins of Bluff Dale, TX; his sister, Peggy Baker of Jacksonville, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in Georgia where family and friends are invited to honor this special man.

Wayne's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Rex Hospital in Raleigh and Select Specialty Hospital of Durham for their dedication, attention and care of him during his illness.

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