Ronald Louis Akers

Ronald is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Caroline Marie, along with his two children Tamara Akers Phillips and Levi Jeremiah Akers (Brandy Akers) and grandchildren William (Amanda), Walker and Caroline Phillips and Jair, Asia, and Arjay Akers, and his great-grandchild Henry Levi Phillips. He is also survived by his two siblings, Charles Akers and Voncille Litz. He was predeceased by his beloved first-born son, Ronald L. Akers II.

Ron was a committed and loving husband and father that led his family as a faithful Christian leader. He met his one true love, Caroline, at the age of 15 and they remained loyal to each other for 70 years. Together they raised three children with the upmost care and concern. Ron served God for most of his adult life as a Deacon in the Baptist Church and treasured his Sunday School friends from Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville. His favorite pastime was playing and writing bluegrass music, specializing in the Dobro guitar. He loved his “Bluegrass pickin’ friends.” And he was well known and appreciated for his kindness to all.

Professionally, the achievements of Dr. Ronald L. Akers began with his 1966 Social Learning Theory of crime, published and co-authored by Robert L. Burgess as “A Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory of Criminal Behavior.” Dr. Akers became world renowned in the fields of Sociology, Criminology & Law. He received his Ph.D.in Sociology from the University of Kentucky in 1966, Master’s degree from Kent State in 1961 and Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in 1960. Dr. Akers was a professor at the University of Washington (1965-1972), Florida State University (1972-1974), University of Iowa (1974-1980) and the University of Florida (1980-2014). His love of learning and teaching lasted a lifetime and his educational impact on others is endless.

Throughout Dr. Akers’ career he was well known for many of his works. His 1976 Boys Town Study at the Boys Town Center for the Study of Youth Development in Omaha, Nebraska gained much recognition. In 1988 he received the Edwin H. Sutherland Award from the American Society of Criminology for outstanding contributions to theory and research. He is also an inductee into the Roll of Honor of the Southern Sociological Society. While at the University of Florida he served as Department Chairman, Director of the Center for Studies in Criminology and Law, and later served as an Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. During his career he co-authored many textbooks and countless articles. His numerous awards are a reflection of the respect and adoration of his colleagues and students. He was awarded: Professorial Excellence Award, (1996 and 2006), UF Faculty of the Year (2008), “Professor of the Year” (2010), University of Florida Distinguished Faculty Award (2010), as well as a permanently endowed professorship in his name established in 1999 at the University of Kentucky, Department of Sociology. Upon his retirement in 2014, he was granted Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida. Of all his awards, he most cherished the numerous thank you letters he received from students throughout his career.

There is no doubt that Dr. Akers had a distinguished career as a Criminologist and Sociologist; however, everyone would agree that his most remarkable characteristic was his strong faith in Christ and his devotion to family and friends.

A visitation for Ronald will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, followed by a funeral service beginning at 5:00 PM.