CWO 4 William D. Adkins (Ret), 75, of Ona, WV, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at his residence following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Sara Adkins; daughter Catherine (Barry) Hamm, of Point Pleasant, WV; granddaughters Ashlie Wellman of Proctorville, OH; and Bre (Brandon) Lassater of Gallipolis, OH; grandsons Nicholas Braley of Greensboro, NC; and Colin Braley of Morgantown, WV; and great grandson Elijah Harless of Proctorville, OH. He was born January 5, 1942, in Wayne County, WV, the son of the late Clyde and Virginia Burke Adkins, he was preceded in death by an infant son Anthony; a daughter Terri Daniels; a great granddaughter Ava Lassater; and a sister Janice Robinson. A graduate of Windsor High School and he retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years. He was a Vietnam veteran who also served as a drill instructor at Office Candidate School, Quantico, VA, and was a member of the Marine Corps Orienteering Team, representing his country throughout North America and Europe. Athletically gifted, he was an excellent baseball and basketball player, and golfer. After retirement, he worked at Sugarwood Golf Course and was able to indulge his love of the sport. For years, he ministered to teens as a Sunday school teacher and sports program leader. He was a faithful member of Mays Chapel Church. Survivors also include a brother Robert (Alice) Adkins of Proctorville, OH; a sister, Linda Henderson of Chesapeake, OH, a sister Birdie Gillette of Huntington, WV; and several nieces and nephews. Known as a man of great physical strength, steadfast faith, and great humor, he was a gentle hero to his family and many friends. He also leaves behind a loyal circle of fellow golfers and his Friday evening social group who provided much laughter and continuous support. Funeral services will be led by Tristian Bond, with reflections by Hunter Roush, and music by his great nephew Will Preston on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, with burial to follow in Rome Cemetery. Military services will be provided by Proctorville VFW Post 6878. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the charity honoring his precious great granddaughter at A Heart Like Ava, PO Box 1220, Gallipolis, OH, 45631, to benefit children and families dealing with childhood heart disease. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.
