Mr. Willis Thomas Adkins April 4, 1937 - February 21,

Willis "Will" Thomas Adkins was born on April 4, 1937 in Crawfordville, Georgia to the late Henry and Bessie (Thornton) Adkins.  He was the third child of seven siblings and eldest son, a role he took very seriously.  He departed this life on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Will dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized. He attended St. Luke Baptist Church and later joined Golden Leaf Baptist Church where he taught Bible Doctrine, faithfully served on the Brotherhood, and assisted with Vacation Bible School and the Annual Church Fish Fry. He was also a donor and frequent supporter of Golden Leaf Ministries.

At the age of eight, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio from Crawfordville, Georgia.  He attended Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School. As a youngster he played Pee Wee Football and earned money as a Paper Boy. As an adolescent, he attended Samuel Ach Junior High School and became a certified junior life guard at Lincoln Center. He graduated from Hughes High School in 1955 where he also played football. Additionally, he played community baseball and basketball.  Will went on to college at Ohio State University and later transferred to the University of Cincinnati where he earned two Bachelor's degrees and one Master's degree in Education. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

On August 20, 1960 Will married Marian (Love) Adkins and to their union one son was born, Rodney Adkins.

Before he began his professional career Will worked at the U.S Postal Service. He also worked with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission where he was a role model for many of the children.

In his professional career, he was a teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools and later became assistant principal at Heinold and at Aiken High School. He was promoted to head principal during a second stint at Heinold. He finished his career as the principal at Robert A. Taft High School and then as principal at McMillan Center.

After retiring in 1989, Will spent his time participating in activities he enjoyed such as fishing, traveling, propertymanagement and spending time with family including serving as an officer for the Adkins Family Reunion.

Will's parents, Henry and Bessie Adkins, and two sisters, Ruby Kate and Willa Ruth Donald, all preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 62 years, Marian Love Adkins, his son, Rodney (Jeannette) Adkins, a grandson, Rodney "R.T." Adkins, siblings, Georgia Hodge, Carl P. (Lovey, deceased) Adkins, John L. (Mattie) Adkins and Milton (Freddie) Adkins; and brother-in-law, Aaron Love; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Granddaughter in law Cheryl Fletcher and Krystal Brown.

Visitation is from 11:00 am until 12 noon, on  Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Golden Leaf Baptist, 5910 Argus Road, Cincinnati  (45224).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 noon.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

In keeping with CDC Covid19 Guidelines, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

To share a memory of   Willis or leave a special message for the  Adkins family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, family-owned and operated,  is honored to serve the Adkins family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.