Gary L Adkins

Born on December 28, 1947, in Slab Fork, WV, he was the son of the late Charles and Carrie Walls Adkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Paula Renee Adkins, and his best friend Chester Testament.

Gary was a US Airforce Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. After returning to West Virginia with his young family, he began his career in the coal mines. He worked at Eastern Coal for his father, Slab Fork Coal, and finally at Elk Run Coal Company. He retired as an electrician from Elk Run in 2007.

Gary was a devout Christian and was a member of the Pemberton Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. He was passionate about spending time with his family and enjoyed collecting guns and knives. He loved kicking back in his recliner down in the man cave to watch Star Trek and Gunsmoke. Also, he was an avid fisherman enjoying family competitions of who could catch the most fish on outings.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Jane Davis Adkins; daughter Stephanie Adkins Reeves and husband Preston, son, Gary Paul Adkins and wife Stacy, grandchildren; Shonna Reeves, Logan Adkins, Jordan Reeves, Aubrey Smallwood and Hadley Reott, siblings; Dee Dee Price, Marlena Phillips and husband Michael, Debbie Coe and husband Gene, and Michael Adkins and wife Pam, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 1 pm with Reverend James Ford and his son Brian officiating at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving visitors at 11 am until the time of the service. Following the service, Gary will be taken to Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley to be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, Gary requested donations be made to his church, Pemberton Missionary Baptist at PO Box 463, Midway, WV 25878.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive of Beckley, WV is honored to be serving the Adkins family.