James Eugene Akins

Family is welcoming friends on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 12 until 1 p.m., at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Service will follow at 1 p.m., in the Kilgore-Green Chapel, with burial at Boldo Cemetery. Tommy Graves will officiate.

James Akins will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him. He was a funny, tender-hearted man. A great father and devoted husband. James graduated from Curry High School in 1965 and cherished lifelong friendships. In 1970 he was hired by Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he worked for nearly 40’years.

In 1986 he started his own business which grew into what is now Clean and Green Lawn and Landscaping, Inc. At one time all three of his children were involved in helping him. Later, he and two of his children started Akins Properties, Inc. A real estate rental business. He worked countless hours, with little sleep. He did not let anything discourage him from pursuing his dream of owning his own business.

In 1990 he accepted the call to minister to others. He spoke in several churches and spent much time ministering to inmates in the local city and county jail. He found joy in studying God’s word and the teaching of other ministers. He shared his knowledge and God’ love with everyone he met. He endured many health problems, but he never lost his faith. After a life marked by several incidents that should have been the end, God provided a miracle. At 4:16 p.m. on September 5, 2025, God provided James one more miracle. He went into eternal peace, with his family by his side. As his wife and children held his hands and shared a life fully lived. We were blessed and thankful to have him.

He was preceded by his parents, James Ollie and Athlene Akins; sister, Kathryn Brown; grandparents, William Rufus and Wilma Akins; Millard and Media Boyd; in-laws, Jimmie and Kathleen Parker; brother-in-law, Jerry Gilmore.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years; Tanya Akins; children, Jami Bailey (Johnny), Jason Akins (Kaye) and Jenica Gillies (Jon); grandchildren, Zoe Gillies, Phoenix Gillies and Sydney Atkins; sister, Sherlene Gilmore; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Zoe Gillies, Phoenix Gillies and Sydney Atkins.

Pallbearers will be Greg Gillmore, Tommy Hyche, Garrett Gilmore, Blake Hall, Johnny Bailey, Jon Gillies, Hunter Gilmore and Barry Brown.