Ghary Middleton Akers

Ghary M. Akers, aka Dr Akers or Coach Akers entered the Pearly Gates of Heaven Friday, 27 January 2023. He was born 9 February 1935 in Carrollton AL to Guy and Annie Laurie Akers. As a teen, he helped his grandfather farm in Pickens Co while his Dad was in the service. When his Dad returned home, Ghary moved back home to Montgomery where he graduated from Lanier High School, class of 1953. He was in the Air Force from 1953-1957. While serving in Japan, Ghary played over 120 basketball/baseball games a year and earned medals to include the Korean Service medal. Using the GI Bill, he earned his Univ. of Alabama Bachelor’s Degree and set an intramural 440 Meter record. (He will forever hold that record because the race was changed to 400 Meters). While teaching Physical Education at Tuscaloosa Junior High School, he earned his Univ of Alabama Master’s Degree. He returned to Montgomery and taught 4 years of Science, along with Coaching at Capital Heights Junior High School.

He then joined the State Department of Education (SDE) where he served as the State Physical Education Specialist 37 years until retiring in 2004. While working for the SDE, he also earned his Doctorate of Education from Auburn University. For many years, he also served on the Board of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Over Ghary's career, he received many awards including the Honor Award, the highest award given by the ASAHPERD organization; and the SDE Employee of the Quarter Award.

Ghary was always bringing joy to others. Over the last 40+ years, he produced a monthly edition of AKERS ANTICS . His AKERS ANTICS was either mailed or delivered monthly in his Flair hair cap to family, friends, neighbors and various offices where he went after his visit to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He planned lots of fun events annually for Family Reunions over 50 years.

In his retirement years, he played Frazer Church softball and basketball and organized Arrowhead CC Twilight Golf. He also played basketball and softball in the Alabama Senior Olympics where his teams won in the state to move on to play in 5 out of state Senior Games. He was a member of the Alabama 60+ Golf group, a member of the Arrowhead CC Worley Golf Group and a member of the Frazer Sowers Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife Phyllis of 26 years, daughters Terri (Sean) Dennehy, Vienna, VA and Cindy Arkin, Chevy Chase MD. Grandchildren include twins Allison and Julia Arkin and twins Finn and Riley Dennehy. Survivors also include his sister Joyce Layton of Brewton AL; sister Linda Golden of Wetumpka AL; brother Dr Ronnie (Shirley) Akers of Winston, GA; and sister-in-law Barbara (Bruce) Lanz of Sherrill, NY along with many nieces and nephews.

Ghary was always an avid Univ of Alabama sports fan and in keeping with that, request those attending the funeral wear Alabama or other collegiate attire. Pallbearers will be some of his nephews and cousins. Honorary Pallbearers are the Arrowhead Worley Group.

Visitation will be at Leak Memory Tuesday, 31 January 12:30 - 2:00 with services following by Dr John Ed Mathison and burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Akers family.