Harold E Adkins

Harold Edward Adkins, 78, passed away Dec. 2, 2018 peacefully at home. He is preceded in death by his parents: Deloria Baker Adkins and Elmer Adkins, a daughter; Debbie, two grandsons; Cory and Keegan and his son in law Michael Hettich. Harold has been married to his wife Patricia Ann for 45 years. He is also survived by their five children: Steve (Patti), Scott (Shannon), Tandeta Hettich, Jeri Lynn Long (Michael) and Erica Hargis (Jason), fifteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Three sisters: Marjorie McCarty, Artinas Thelma Toby (Donald) and Magdaline Underhill (Aubrey “Whitey”).

Harold was employed in the marine business at age 16 and retired at 78 as a boat salesman at Marine Sales and Service. Most of you that knew him from this long career would often hear him refer to himself as, “Harold the boat peddler”. He worked six days a week. His priority was to be a provider to his family. His day of rest was Sunday. And to know he will have forever Sundays thrills our hearts.

He was a volunteer fire chief for the Jefferson County fire department, Camp Taylor. He was the youngest chief to ever hold this title and the oldest to retire. He was known throughout the county as the chiefs “Chief”. Many firefighters owe their success to the advice, training and just watching him work with his cool calm demeanor. He leaves a family legacy of firefighters including, sons and grandsons. Even his daughter and granddaughters tried out exploring in their younger days.

Harold never met a stranger and if he didn’t actually know you by the time you finished talking to him you were a friend. He always held the door, picked up the food check at the dinner table, attended every wedding and funeral he knew about. He attended as many events as he could and provided a ride anywhere you needed to go. At a dance he was always “twisting the night away”, because he was the twisting champion. If you needed cash, his hand was in his pocket handing it over. Albeit, an old note, antacid or button might have been included also!

All services will be held at Arch L. Heady at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40218. Visitation will be Tues. Dec. 4 from 4pm to 8pm, a funeral service will be Wed. Dec 5 at 10am.