Bill G. Akins

Billie “Bill” G. Akins, 90, of Cambria, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021, at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with the Rev. R.H. Chitwood officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cambria Food Pantry or to Meals on Wheels.

Bill was born on May 15, 1931, in Jackson County, Illinois, to Richard and Elizabeth Pearl (Jones) Akins. He married Glenda Mae Gray on February 17, 1956, in Herrin. She preceded him in death in January 16, 2005.

He is survived by his son, Billie Akins of Carbondale; daughter, Leah (Brent) VanHam of Carbondale; grandchildren, Mike Reynolds of Carterville, Chad Reynolds of Carterville, Kim (Randy) Hatley of Franklin, Tennessee, Traci (Seamus) Donaldson of Salisbury, North Carolina, Kelly Forbes of Johnston City, Emily Spolarich of Austin, Texas, and Haley Spolarich of Chicago; great-grandchildren, Carmen Holderfield, Peyton Shelton, Brandon Shelton, Colin Donaldson, Kaitlyn Donaldson, Kesley Magochy, and Ethan Hatley; plus many dear friends.      

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughters, Gail Forbes and Carol Reynolds; brother, Leslie Akins; sisters, June Severs and Sally Robinson; and his beloved dog, Sugar.

He honorably served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Bill retired after more than 37 years of service as a coal miner and welder for Consol #2 Mine in Pinckneyville.

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