William Penn Adkins Jr.

William P. Adkins Jr. ("Bill"), 88, of Largo, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. He was born in Stephens, Georgia on December 10th, 1935 to William and Evelyn Harrison Adkins. In 1938 the family relocated to Auburn, Alabama, where he was raised. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joan Adkins Hammond. He is survived by Natalie Mazza Adkins, his devoted wife of 66 years, beloved children William S. Adkins (Ann) Laura G. Adkins and Kevin B. Adkins (Julie), beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Kelly, Jennifer, Natalie, Maryann, Will, Johnathan, Ben, Joseph, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Auburn High School in 1953 and from Auburn University in 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society. Upon graduation and completing his ROTC program, he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force, and served from 1958-1960.

Bill was employed at Honeywell-Military Avionics in Clearwater, Florida for 49 years. Throughout his successful career, he was the recipient of many awards including "Outstanding Engineer" in 1984 and 2000.

In 2003, he was granted a US Patent for his innovative design work on the Tomahawk Missile, which improved its accuracy and effectiveness.

He was an active member of Honeywell Minnreg Association for many years and served as a past chairman, treasurer as well as other leadership roles. He and Natalie enjoyed being part of the Gourmet Club and the Retirees Club.

Bill played on the Honeywell Corporate Softball Team for several decades. In 1967 and 1992, the team won the Florida State Industrial League championship.

Bill was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for 49 years and served as his region’s membership director. He dedicated much of his time promoting his profession and mentoring students and young engineers. He was responsible for spearheading the ASME Student Scholarship Fund at the University of South Florida, and received the Region XI Dedicated Service Award in 1984.

Bill was a duplicate bridge enthusiast and was chairman of the Honeywell Bridge Club. He earned the title of “Life Master” from the American Contract Bridge League.

While his sons were young, Bill coached and managed their Little League baseball teams, and served as their Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.

Bill and Natalie travelled together throughout the US, Europe and China. They also enjoyed cruises and visiting National Parks. White water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, hiking and cycling were among the activities they experienced.

To honor his parents he established the William P. and Evelyn H. Adkins Memorial Scholarship at Auburn University.

Bill had a great zest for life and a keen sense of humor. Many will remember Bill for his devotion to Auburn with his hearty greeting of "War Eagle!” His memory will live on forever in our hearts.

The celebration of life and memorial for Bill will take place on Monday, March 11th, 2024 at 11am at Serenity Gardens 13401 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, with a visitation at 10am. All are invited to a reception following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.