David M. Akins

David M. Akins, 84, of Leesville, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Friday, March 23, at First Baptist Church of Batesburg with interment in Ridge Crest Memorial Park.

Mr. Akins was born in Rome, GA and grew up in Ninety-Six, SC. He was the son of the late William Ira and Burman Lillian McCrickard Akins. He was married to the late Bettie Leopard Akins. Mr. Akins was a member of First Baptist Church of Batesburg where he served as a deacon. He also served as a deacon at his previous churches, Good Hope Baptist Church, Chestnut Hill Baptist Church and Leesville First Baptist Church. He was the owner and operator of Palmetto Plywood and B & L Realty. Mr. Akins was a member of the B-L Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. He was a United States Air Force Veteran. Mr. Akins enjoyed pecan farming.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie (Teresa) Akins; daughter and son-in-law, Diane (James) Hamel; daughter-in-law, Pat Akins; brother, John Wayne “Buddy” Akins; grandchildren, Tara (Robert) Hamel Graham; Austin (Danielle) Riley; Olivia Riley; Dwayne (Tiffani) Harmon; Kim Lawson; and great grandchildren, Emalee; Elijah; D.J., Payton, Page, Emerson, Kyle and Garrett. He was preceded in death by his son, David M. “Rusty” Akins, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Thursday, March 22, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, other times at his home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a church or a charity of one’s choice.