Roy Adkins

Roy Barton Adkins, 86, a hero to so many, entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 surrounded by his loving family in his home in Monroe. Born January 24, 1926 in Alcoa, Tennessee, to the late Robert and Katherine (Chapman) Adkins, he brought joy and love to all who knew him. The twinkle in his eyes will be most missed by Ernestine, his beloved wife of 59 years, his son, Roy Jr. (Jackie) Adkins of Monroe, and two daughters, Donna (Bill) Dawson of Sedley, Virginia and Lisa Adkins (Nigel Melville) of Ann Arbor. Seven grandchildren: Jeramy (Rachel), Kim (Andy), Seth (Dawn), Brandon, Kristen (Nick), Lauren and William. Twelve great-grandchildren: Abbigail, Raina, Drew, Grace, Holden, Peyton, Noah, Kendall, Elivia, Grant, Will, and Graysen. And from LaFollette, Tennessee, sisters Pauline (Charles) Martin and Betty (James) Gamble and sister-in-law Flora Adkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Raymond and R. C., and his sister Ruth (Carl) Sharpe. A humble WWII Army veteran, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat action after crossing the Saur River into the Siegfried line. He was wounded in Trier, Germany in 1945 and received the Purple Heart. In 1955, he moved from Lake City, Tennessee to make his home in Michigan. After 33 years of service he retired from GM Powertrain in 1988 as a pipefitter. He and his wife also owned the Monroe Bridal Aisle for 40 years. Roy was a faithful member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, teacher, choir member, spiritual mentor and encouraging friend. He was known as a patient gardener, impatient fisherman and a gentle fisher of men. Friends may call Friday from 1-8 PM at Bacarella Funeral Home, Masonic service at 6pm. A funeral celebrating his life will be at 10 AM Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, where he will lie in state after 9 AM. He loved his Lord, his family and friends, his church, and his country. A silent giant, Roy taught everyone in his life how to love. He is a soldier of the cross who simply faded away into glory.