Tom Adkins was my grandfather.  For us grandkids, we knew him affectionately as "Pawpaw".   Pawpaw was extremely compassionate and caring to us grandkids.  He didn't just care for us, but he would do anything for us and those he loved.  And not just those he loved, but strangers too.  I'd see Pawpaw going out of his way to help people often.  He was truly a friend to all, and if you were a stranger around and you didn't know who Tom Adkins was, you'd probably find out shortly.

Personally, Pawpaw encouraged me to do my best in whatever I was undertaking.   Pawpaw always had a way of making whatever seemingly tough situation I was going through seem not that serious or severe after all.  His positive and light hearted perspective on things is something I will always remember.  He also was one of the funniest people I've ever known.  His humor was one of a kind and he will always be "Dr. Beach" forever and always.

My best memories with Pawpaw include the many Christmases we spent together, and the vacations we spent at Hilton Head Island and VA Beach.  He cared so deeply about his family and those close to him, and loved us more than we will know.  I'll love and miss you deeply Pawpaw and I know that you'll always be with us!
 


On behalf of the entire Adkins Family, I would like to Thank Everyone for their condolences, kind words and prayers over the last 2 weeks since my Dad passed. He was one of my heroes (along with my Mom) and not having them on earth anymore is very painful but we all take great pride knowing that Dad is in heaven with Mom, my sister Heidi and all of his other relatives and friends.  Dad was a very special man who never cared about material things but rather making sure he was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend that he could be everyday. He was a Christian who with Mom over the years made Second Baptist his place of worship and made many special friends while there. My Dad was a calming spirit in our family never to high or to low with the best sense of humor of anyone I have ever met. He loved Family outings especially to the Beach with all of his children and grandchildren. Dad gave me the best advice in my life just before I walked into my wedding ceremonies which was, "Son, within reason, let me say that again within reason---give her what she wants and you will be one of the happiest husbands in the world"! I took his advice and never looked back. Without knowing it---Dad also taught me how he managed his marriage and I followed suit here as well. That was, he and I are in charge but Mom and my wife call all of the shots! Dad---I want to Thank You and Mom for giving all in our Family the perfect example of how a marriage must work and the many great lessons as loving parents that you taught all of us. We will continue to Love The Lord, Help Those Less Fortunate Then Us, Love One Another and as Mom always said Be Kind & Nice to everyone we meet. I love you very much Dad and will cherish all of the many great memories we all had together. I only hope that I can perform my role for our Family half as good as you did for so many years! 
Love, Thomas E. Adkins Jr. (Little Tommy)

I have been friends with Wayne Adkins for over 30 years and i got to know Tom very well through the years. He was like a " dad" to me. One of my favorite memories of Tom was when he, Wayne, my son Alex and i attended a University of Richmond football game on a cold November Saturday out at old City Stadium. It was cold and windy that day with temperatures in the 30' s and Wayne looked down and noticed Tom wasnt wearing any socks. Wayne asked his dad if he had any socks and Tom replied" I have a pair of socks they are in my coat pocket" We all laughed and from then on Tom forever had the nickname" socks".

OBITUARY

Thomas Eggleston Adkins Sr.

October 3, 1932 – July 8, 2021

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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