Earl C. Adkins, 87, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Williamsport South Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by his family.
Born October 23, 1937, in Danville, VA, he was a son of the late Henry E. Adkins and Ethel M. (Dalton) Adkins Robertson.
Earl served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge, Earl graduated from Danville Community College with an auto mechanic degree. Following graduation, Earl was a supervisor at Dan River Mills, a textile and fabric company, for many years prior to moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania. In 1982 Earl and his family moved to Pennsylvania where he later retired from the American Rescue Workers as a director of the men’s shelter for 25 years.
Earl’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a member at Holland Road Baptist Church in Danville, VA, and attended the American Rescue Workers Community Church, Williamsport. His love for the outdoors was undeniable. He found joy and tranquility in hunting and fishing, activities that allowed him to appreciate nature’s beauty and the simple pleasures of life. Earl’s life was a testament to the virtues of love, friendship, and kindness. He was a good man, a great husband, father, and grandfather. His impact on the lives he touched will endure through the memories cherished by those who knew him.
Earl was a devoted husband to his wife of 64 years, Bonnie G. (Winn) Adkins, and a remarkable father to his two children, Earl C. Adkins, II (Becky) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Gayle Gillespie (Wallace) of Williamsport. Also surviving are a son-in-law, Leon Carter of Danville, VA; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Baby.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Kristy L. Carter; a great-great-grandson Sawyer Adkins; a brother Morris Adkins; and a sister Helen Haskins.
A celebration of Earl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7 at the American Rescue Workers Community Church 25 Ross St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Burial will be held next spring in Danville, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earl’s name to American Rescue Workers 643 Elmira Street Williamsport, PA 17701 or to Holland Road Baptist Church 798 Holland Rd, Danville, VA 24541.
Online condolences may be made on Earl’s obituary page at http://www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com.
