An Atlanta native, after graduating from Decatur Boys High,
“Duke” attended the Citadel for two years before enlisting
in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his service, he attended
UGA where he was a brother of Alpha Tau Omega. GOOOO DAWGS!
He married the love of his life and childhood neighbor,
Laura Dell Parkerson in 1951. He was the first President of
the Georgia Mortgage Bankers Association. Later, he became
a Real Estate Developer and Appraiser with his two oldest sons
under his company, L. R. Akin & Associates. He retired at age 90.
He was a member of St. John UMC, but felt a special connection
to Akin Memorial UMC in Mt. Pleasant, GA, built by his
grandfather, Lawrence Randall Akin II in 1892 with wood from his
lumber mill. He visited every chance he could, staying at the
King and Prince, and dining at Bennie’s Red Barn. Most of all,
he loved family and enjoyed taking them to the beach and
attending their sporting events and recitals.
He was predeceased in death by his oldest son, Lawrence Randall
Akin IV (Louise Akin Cunningham), his mother, Virginia Beach Akin,
his father, Elbert Dowman Akin, and his brother, Thomas Norwood
Akin. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Laura Dell Akin, his sons,
John Elbert Akin (Susan) and Charles Thomas Akin (Joeleen), his
daughter, Laura Ann Stanford (Bruce), grandsons: Michael Lawrence
Akin (Erica), David Randall Akin (Sarah), Ronald Powell Kirkpatrick,
Stephen Lawrence Kirkpatrick (Katherine), Chares Ryan Akin,
granddaughters: Emily Akin Chandler (Grant), LauraClara Kirkpatrick
Thompson (Seth), and Barbara Dell (Bobbie) Akin. Great-grandchildren
include Daniel Akin, Kirsten Akin, Virginia Dell Kirkpatrick, and Emma
Grace Chandler.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 24, 4-6pm Patterson Funeral Home in Sandy Springs
Service is Monday 2pm at St John UMC , 550 Mt Paran Rd
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Akin Memorial UMC, 836 Post Rd., Hortense, Georgia 31543 or the Wounded Warrior Project.
