Kenneth Lee Adkins, 64, of Hurricane, WV, formerly of Chapmanville, received his eternal healing, August 29, 2020 at his home with his family gathered by his side.
He was born December 12, 1955 to the late Raymond Adkins and his wife, Thena and surviving mother Lilly Gillman. Also preceding him in death was his step-father, Eddie Gillman, his brother, James Tomblin, sisters, Elsie Collins and Wilma Lucas, son, Kenny Adkins Jr and granddaughter, Haley Adkins.
Kenny will be remembered for not how he fought a hard battle with cancer but by how he lived through the battle for his loved ones. He chose not to suffer but to pass on his own terms, courageously as the Lord so called. Our family takes comfort in knowing that his sweet granddaughter Haley and his son, little Kenny, affectionately called “Bub” were there to greet him at Heaven's gate. Kenny entered his Christian service to the Lord in 1993 and enjoyed attending Guyan Freewill Baptist Church.
Kenny was retired, but spent the majority of his working days traveling throughout the coalfields of Appalachia, hauling coal “down river” or off the road and earned the nickname “Rock Man.” He could operate just about any piece of heavy equipment and of the various companies he worked for during his career, his last employment was with CONSOL Energy working as a mechanic and fueler/greaser.
Kenny was known to tinker with just about anything and was a self-made handyman. Family and friends will notably smile because you could always find Kenny holding a cup of coffee and immersed in conversation; you see everyone knew that Kenny was a talker. He was also an avid gardener and took Tremendous pride in his property. He was a simple man of simple things and he enjoyed the little things in life. The greatest joy in his life were his grandchildren and he would do or engage in anything their hearts desired for he cherished these moments and still liked to “hang out” until his last day. You see Kenny came from a big family and inherited the simple goodness that family was indeed everything and he lived for all those special family moments.
Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years Tammy, son, Mike (Ashley) Adkins; daughter, Brittany Adkins Frye; daughter-in-law, Amanda (Kenny) Adkins; grandchildren, Cameron, Carson and Cade Frye, Ian and Brayden Farley and Laci Adkins who greatly misses Papaw; sisters, Viola (Robert) Meade, Linda (Ed) Cox, and Florence (Buddy) Gallimore; brothers, Dennis (Kathy) Adkins, Donald (Devauna) Adkins, Bruce (Brenda) Adkins, Gary (Deidre) Adkins, Denver (Carol) Tomblin, Rodney (Cathy) Tomblin, Taylor (Marsha) Tomblin, Kenny (Tammy) Tomblin, and Monroe (Tilda) Tomblin; brothers-in-law, Dave Collins and Danny Lucas. He also leaves his loving fur baby, Bella at home; and a host of special nieces and nephews who have fond memories of Uncle Kenny.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers that were received. Special thanks to Kanawha Hospice who have journeyed alongside the family throughout his illness.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Freeman Funeral Home with Eric “Tubby” Rakes officiating.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 3, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the funeral home.
Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.