Obituary of Raymond Adkins

Raymond Adkins Of Amherstdale, WV Raymond Adkins, 87, of Amherstdale, departed this life Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at the home of his daughter with his family by his side. He was born September 15, 1923, in Lincoln County, the son of the late Marion and Martha Queen Adkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Roy; and two sisters, Nora and Dorothy. Raymond retired from Amherst Coal Company after serving 40 years in the coal mines. He was active in his local union for many years and worked eagerly as an advocate for safety and coal miners’ rights. He often spoke fondly of his years in the coal mines and of his fellow workers, and he took great pride in his profession. Raymond had a gift for gardening. He toiled many hours in his vegetable gardens growing potatoes, green beans, peas, tomatoes, corn, radishes, and more. He also grew watermelons of which he was always very proud. In recent years, Raymond focused all of his attention to the care of his beloved wife, and he showered his love and affection onto his “grandbabies.” One of his greatest joys was sharing the holidays with all of his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Margaret Adkins; five children, Ron (Linda) Adkins of Frankfort, KY, Carolyn Sue (Paul) Eckerle of Sarasota, FL, Gary (Julie) Adkins of Glasgow, KY, Ken (Joetta) Adkins of Houston, TX, and Andrea Bennett of Charleston; eight grandchildren, Mark (Robin) Adkins of NJ, Paula Eckerle, Sean (Ami) Eckerle, Josh (Cassie) Adkins and Patrick Adkins, all of KY, Bailey Bennett and Trey Bennett, both of Charleston, and Kalyn Adkins of TX; four great-grandchildren, Brandon and Ryan Adkins, Alex Eckerle, and Adrienne Adkins; two sisters, Glenna Wiley of Kistler and Opal Burns of Davin; one sister-in-law, Garnet Triplett of Kistler; special nieces, Eleanor Dugan, Sherlyn Neblett, and Marilyn Crosby; a very special friend and caregiver, Lisa Blankenship; and many other nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will commence at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the Becco United Baptist Church at Becco with Rev. Denver McClellan officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man and one hour prior to services at the church. Pall bearers will be grandsons. Online condolences may be sent to krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.