Ralph K. Adkins

Ralph K. Adkins, 76, of Gainesville passed away after a hard fight at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. This sweet man changed his name to Papa the day that he became a grandfather. He was the best Papa in the world to his family.

He was born on July 30, 1940 in Amherstdale, West Virginia. He was raised in Lundale, West Virginia and graduated from Man High School in 1959. He met the love of his life in his tenth grade General Business class, Barbara Adkins, to whom he was married 56 years.

Papa drew pictures of cars for granny in class, where they got in trouble. Papa told granny that he knew that he would marry her the first time he saw her.

He was a retired engineer whose career spanned 40 years working at the Newport News Shipyard, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Westinghouse Savannah River. He retired in 2005.

Papa was the kindest man in the world. He gave money to anyone with a sign.  He worked harder than anyone we will ever know. He loved babies with all of his heart. Papa loved his grandchildren and they worshiped him.  Papa is the most intelligent man you could ever meet. He never talked gossip or small talk.  He never talked about others.  He loved God and Jesus. He loved American History, World War II, reading, politics, boat rides on Lake Burton, buffets, piddling around the house and eating donuts. We would do anything to bring him back.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Burton Adkins; father, Kenous Adkins; brothers, Hartley Adkins, William Tolbert Adkins, Everett Lee Adkins, David Adkins, and sister Ella Mae Stratiff.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Jeffrey Adkins; daughter, Margaret Burroughs (David) of Lula; son, Brannen Joseph Adkins (Loni) of Dacula; grandchildren, Kiley Ann Zimmerman (Adam) of Jacksonville, FL, Jeremiah Johnson (Amanda) of Pickens, SC, Brady Ralph Strickland of Athens, GA and Gina Renee Adkins of Greenville, SC; brother, Charles Adkins (Bonnie) of South Charleston, WV; sister, Mary Cummings (Tommy) of Brewster, OH; sister, Genevieve of Massillon, OH and sister in law, Vonnie Adkins of Charleston, WV, and sister in law Lou Dean Adkins of St. Albans, WV and many extended family members that he loved.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Friday, May 5, 2017 at James Funeral Home, Main Street, Logan, WV. Mr. Gary Hollandsworth will share eulogies and prayer.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV with Gary Hollandsworth officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mountain Education Charter High School, 65 Kenimer St. Cleveland, GA 30528. MEC is a special high school that allows children with special circumstances an opportunity for an education. Papa’s oldest brother Duke (Everett) dropped out of school to help feed their large family. Duke joined the Air Force and used the G.I. Bill to earn his Master’s Degree and become a Professional Safety Engineer. Papa would be honored that any donations made in his name would help a disadvantaged child become educated and successful.

Our family is so appreciative of all of the prayers, blessings and friendships.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com