James Arnold "Sarge" Akins

Pauline, SC- James Akins, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, February 1, 2015 after a brief illness. Born November 3, 1928 in Etowah, TN, James was a son of the late James Arthur and Nellie Pickens Akins. Mr. Akins was a retired Master Sergeant, proudly serving over 20 years in the US Air Force. He was the recipient of the Air Medal- Vietnam and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Mr. Akins served during the Korean War and completed a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1965-1966. After his military service, he was employed with Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring after many years. Mr. Akins was a Christian who loved the Lord and was a member of Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. Mr. Akins loved his family immensely, always trying to help his children build and work on projects. He loved carpentry, clearing land, and manual labor. Loving his travels in the military, he continued with his wife cross country camping with their groups for many years. In addition to his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Annie Lee Akins, he is survived by daughters, Sharon Rountree and her husband, Steve, of Walnut Grove, Lynne Sizemore and her husband, Rick, of Roebuck; a son, David Akins and his wife, Joanne, of Pauline; two brothers, Bill Akins and his wife, Faye, and Steve Akins and his wife, Sandy, of Athens, TN; a sister, Wanda Davis of Etowah, TN; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a loving sister in-law, Betty Mabry of Pauline. He is predeceased by a son, Michael James Akins; and a brother in-law, Poley Davis. Funeral services with military honors will be held Tuesday, February 3rd, 3:00PM at Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Family Life Center. The family is at the home. In remembrance of Mr. Akins, memorials may be made to Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, Cemetery Enhancement Fund, PO Box 279, Pauline, SC 29374.