RET 1SG Donald Ray Akins

RET First Sergeant (USAR) Donald Ray Akins, 89 of Huntsville, AL, passed away Tuesday August 23, 2022 at Redstone Village Hospice Care with loving family by his side, embracing him at his last breath. Don was born July 8, 1933 in Sulphur Rock, Arkansas to Oscar and Gertrude Akins. He was the youngest of 11 children.

Don spent his childhood in Marlow, Oklahoma where he completed the 8th grade. His early years were spent helping with farming and repairing old cars and tractors to drive. (He was driving when he was 10 years old.) He made his first gun out of scrap metal for hunting.

He joined the Army in 1953 and retired 20 years later in 1973 as a First Sergeant E8 from Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Those who knew him called him “Top” for “top dog” due to his rank. His time of service was spent in the Army Corps of Engineers where his specialty designation was 51H50 Construction Foreman. He earned a HS GED in the Army. Because of his work ethic and motivation he became, at one point in his career, the youngest E7 in the entire full strength cold war Army. His career was distinguished with three tours in Germany (where he met and married his dear wife of 66 years, Helga), two tours in Korea and one tour in Vietnam. In the early 60’s, Don worked as a drill instructor training troops at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

After 20 ½ years of military service Don retired and started Don Akins Heating and Air Conditioning Co, which he successfully operated for 20 more years until age 62. After his second retirement he enjoyed many years of travel in his motorhome. He travelled with wife Helga from Alaska to New Brunswick, Canada and everywhere in between.

Don enjoyed his horses, his dogs, his motorhome club and his family. Don never met a stranger. He gave sage advice to his children; was constantly teaching and helped anyone who needed help. He was mechanically gifted and could build or repair anything he put to his mind. He never shirked away from a task or challenge. He was fearless, courageous, honorable, kind, compassionate and loving. Don was loved by all who met him. He will be sorely missed.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, four half-sisters, one half-brother, three full sisters and two full brothers, son in law and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Helga Akins, son Robert Akins (Anna), daughter Sonia (Akins) Berry grandson Nick Akins and granddaughter Ella Akins.

Visitation will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church on Oakwood Ave Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 pm. Burial will take Place at Valhalla Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers make donations to disabled veterans through The Wounded Warrior Project.