Like so many of you reading these entries, it was my privilege to regard George and Imogene as personal friends. George had mastered the intrinsic art of inspiring high expectations along with the belief that you could attain standards of excellence in such a kind and winsome way. With eagerness, I look forward to meeting together in the earth made new to thank him for the seeds of truth, wisdom and hope he implanted in my heart so many years ago. Along with George and Imogene, may it be said of all of us that we helped each other heaven-ward.

Prof. Akers was one of the most profound influencers on my young life.  I was honored to be at SVA when he was Principle during my Sophomore and Junior years.  His chapel talks were so inspirational and I was also fortunate to work in the Business Office which was in close proximity to his office.  It was a great shock for me to return my Senior year and find that he was no longer there.  His heart was golden and I think many students wished he could be cloned so that we could be blessed by his inspirational presence for our Senior year.  He visited Shenandoah during the Class of '60's 35th Reunion and our class members attending the reunion were so fortunate to spend several hours sitting with him around a large square table in one of the classrooms laughing and reminiscing for several hours that Sabbath afternoon.  About 2004, we had a long telephone conversation talking about the children we had both lost - his son. Doug and my son, Bill.  In December 2009, my husband and I travelled to Collegedale to visit friends.  When we found out that George and Imogene had moved there, I called their home as we wanted to take them to lunch.  When Imogene answered, I said, "You probably don't remember me; I'm Carolyn Burns and I graduated from SVA in '60.  I felt so loved when Imogene said, "of course, I remember you, Carolyn".  We picked them up the next day and had a fabulous time at lunch together.  It's hard to express the feeling of losing someone like Prof. Akers.  Bill and I both send warm and loving thoughts to the family.  I watched the streamed funeral yesterday and it was a perfect tribute to a man who was such a bright light and inspiration to so many.

Shortly after Dr. Akers and his sweet wife Imogene moved to Collegedale in 2004, he started a new Sabbath School group/class. I had not previously known Dr. and Mrs. Akers, however hearing him speak once prior, I attended the first class and thereafter never had any inkling to look for another. It was very clear he had a vast storehouse of wisdom to share combined with special communication and social skills/mannerisms leaving no doubt this was indeed a true man of God. I was blessed to benefit from being an integral part of his SS group for over 10 years. From him I learned more about the character of God than from any other one person. Two of these that especially stand out were his unique and compelling ways of expressing:
1. The power and science of prayer
2. The secret weapon of praise

Dr. Akers will be sorely missed. Yet we know he rests in the Blessed Hope, and look forward in confidence to an eternity of joy and fellowship with him in the New Heaven and New Earth.

"He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." (1Th 5:24 RSV)

My uncle R.E.Francis told me many stories about how George Akers was the most understanding and best principal of S.V.A. 

Nancy Hopwood Brenneman
Laurelbrook Academy

Dr. George Akers' life seemed to shine with a joyous goodness.  I was recruited for my last two years at Shenandoah Valley Academy on a sun-bright spring Sabbath morning; I can still see the young Professor Akers, blue suit and bright smile, standing behind the pulpit as he earnestly complimented the awkward teens who took part in the service.  Our parents were so pleased and proud.  George Akers made that day shine.

His chapel talks during the next two years were foundational in helping us form lives of integrity.

Years later whenever we met him during his years at Andrews University a shinning joy was still his hallmark.

In 2008 Dr. Akers and his wonderful wife Imogene honored our SVA class of 1958 by attending our 50th class reunion.  And what a shinning example they were of lives well-lived for others.  They both looked younger and fitter than many of us former students.

The last time I saw Dr. Akers, about eight months ago on his 90th birthday, he was bed fast.  But that vibrant smile was still shinning expectantly from his radiant face.  When I told him how he had blessed my life tears came to his eyes.  He could only speak in a weak whisper but after our prayer together his voice rang out with a shinning  strength, "God be praised!"  What a great and good man he was.

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

Susan Mondics Willis

Dr Akers was originally from the Eastern Shore of MD so I think he had a special attachment for me and my brothers.  But, that is so like Prof to make everyone feel special. I remember his smile, and his laugh, but most of all his love for Jesus. Later in life we both worked at the General Conference where one of my duties in the Treasury Dept was checking out expense reports. He submitted one where he'd neglected to include a $600 airline ticket.  I called him to verify he had indeed intended to include it. He was so grateful that on his next trip to Africa he sent me a carved elephant which I still have, and will always treasure. I will miss seeing him at our class reunions, however, there is a better reunion in the near future that will surpass anything here on earth.  Ellie Stant Scheresky

Prof Akers may be gone, but not forgotten. My mother (Rosalind) and he went to school together and I remember him making a personal visit to our home in Langley Park, MD when I was graduating from 8th grade. He convinced mom and me to go to SVA. I was only there for my freshman year ('58-'59), but i am pleased that it was during his tenure as principal. Wasn't it Bill Strickland's first year at SVA as well? I love the memories I have from that year with my SVA 'mates. When you wake up from your nap, Prof, may you see all your students and friends and family once more!

Dr. George Akers was the Principal of SVA all of my four years there. I have thanked the Lord over the years that this wonderful educator touched my life in a positive way. He took time to talk with me and to encourage me to go on to college and prepare myself for a place in the work of the SDA Church.
I know that I will meet him again soon.
Edith Eckenroth Gates

George Akers: A life well lived

In the passing away of Dr. George Akers, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has lost a great advocate, philosopher, and statesman of Adventist education. Be it an academy classroom or a university amphitheater or a worldwide gathering of Adventist educators, George Akers stood tall, ever defending and never compromising the essentials of Christian education. He knew Ellen White's Education almost by memory and had committed himself to its central thrust of making the Creator the fundamental focus of education and its redemptive thrust his own guiding light. He had a world-wide following of students, teachers, pastors, and church administrators who eagerly carried the torch he passed on to them. His spell on them was overwhelming, and he led them to commit themselves to that gem given to us by inspiration:  Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godlinessgodlikeness is the goal to be reached (Ed. 18). With that as the goal of Adventist education, he lived, breathed, and transmitted the imperishable gift of true education to a generation and beyond.

The General Conference Department of Education, of which he served as director from 1985-90, salutes the life and ministry of George Akers, and we offer our condolences and prayers to his grieving partner for life, Imogene, and the rest of the family.

--General Conference Department of Education

Dr Akers was truly a giant in Adventist education and one of the positive influences in my life during my formative years at SVA when he was principal and I was a student there.  I also had the privilege of having him as professor and mentor during graduate studies at Andrews University and his mentorship continued when I served in several capacities within SDA education while he was leading that ministry from the General Conference.  
Reunion with him in perfect health in the New Earth is eagerly anticipated. 
John Wagner, SVA class of 1957

Please accept condolences from the Harold Campbell Sr. family.  Dr. Akers and his wife were such a positive influence for all of us ( Harold Sr., Martha,Hal,Jeanne,Kathy,JoAnn) and it was an honor to know Dr. Akers and his family.

Dr. George Akers was principle at SVA for 3 of my 4 years there. I did get to see him and introduce him and Imogene to Becky my wife at several of the SVA 50th reunions, 07,08,and 09.
 He was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all. Our sympathies  to his family and many friends
Dave and Becky Hempe

During his lifetime, George Akers positively influenced many lives, and definitely mine. He was principal during my two years at Shenandoah Valley Academy and I will never forget him! What a Christian man!! He had mercy on Gene Scott and me when we sneaked off campus and hitchhiked to Washington, D.C.  It will be so wonderful to enjoy his company throughout eternity! Praise God for giving us Dr. Akers!!

It was a privilege of having him as a teacher while at Andrews University.  I remembered being so impressed of how passionate he was at his age & he was & still in mind is a Godly man.  May God bless your family during this difficult time, but may you take peace in the life he lived & legacy he has left & that you will be reunited with him when Jesus comes.

George Akers could have expelled me from SVA because of the trouble I used to get in to, but he kept me there after discussing my behavior with my mom and myself. I somehow changed and he had faith in me. Those words changed my life. I told him that on my 45th class reunion and will never forget his friendly smile. God bless Mr. Akers and I know we will meet again. Donald Taylor SVA Class of 1961

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing.  Prof Akers was my principal for two years at SVA.  I saw him last in 2008 at the school's 100th anniversary.  He always knew me and always asked about my family.  He was a blessing to me during those years and am so grateful I had the privilege to know him.   I have a very vivid memory one sabbath afternoon at SVA my room mates I were taking a walk.  We ran into Prof. also taking a walk with both his sons.  He held the hand of each child as they were walking and I could see some endearing communication going on between them.  Even at 15 I could see a 'Rockwell moment'. My thought 
 what a great painting that scene would be.  I will miss knowing that he is no longer with us.  Prayers for you and the family.

I will always remember him as someone who knew Jesus and loved to share with young people His Friend.  He cared about each one individually and took the time to know them and their family.  To be the best kind of teacher and educator I would point him as the finest example I have ever known.

This is a huge loss for those of us who this charismatic man. He was one of the most articulate individuals I ever metHe will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

My sister and I have been lucky to have had our Poppop in our lives for so long. He was always a good sport about letting us dress him up and play games. He laughed easily and made us feel like we were the apple of his eye. He loved to put us on his shoulders for his

George Akers came to Mount Vernon Academy (Ohio) for a week of prayer my Sophomore year. He was so helpful to me as a young person, helping me to see my potential as a Christian witness.

I invited him out to Japan for my Union-wide teachers' convention. Of course, his lecture was on "The Integration of Faith and Learning". Later in late 70's, he was the adviser for my doctoral study at Andrews. Further later in early 80's, he came to the annual council of the former Far Eastern Division in Singapore as the GC director of education. I tried to make him as comfortable as I could and let him rest in a chaise in the cool of evening. Then, he said, "Hey, I didn't realize a missionary life is this easy. I thought you missionaries were all struggling in the jungles". We always enjoyed his sanguine personality and warm friendship.  Minoru Inada (Mt. Ranch, CA)

I remember with much appreciation the support and wisdom I received from George as one of his doctoral students, and the advice he was able to give to me as an educator in mission service. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:.. that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev 14:13).

OBITUARY

George H. Akers

June 18, 1926 – February 4, 2017

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

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