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William Akers Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Hall Riggins and William Walker Akers; his stepmother, Elizabeth Rosser Akers; stepfather, Herman Franklin Riggins; and a stepbrother, William Rodney Rosser.
Bill served in the Army for two years after high school. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Baptist Church and a resident of Newport News. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after 42 years of service as a shipfitter. He and his wife loved gospel music and enjoyed traveling after retiring. He enjoyed collecting elephants and antique toys.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Dorcas Akers; his stepmother, Louise Howton Riggins of S.C.; his daughter, Chris Akers Wissman, husband, Mark, grandchildren, Hannah, Bethany, Jonathan and Matthew; his son, William Roland Akers Jr., wife, Lisa, grandchildren, Brittany, Kandice and Travis; his stepsister-in-law, Gayle Rosser and nieces, Dawn Capenter (Cornell), Lenora Rosser ( Rick ), Theresa McKee (Jonathan) and nephew Rodney Rosser.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at 2:30 p.m. in Immanuel Baptist Church, 69 Saunders Road, Newport News, with Pastor Tom Everett officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Akers
Michael Eubank
November 23, 2009
Dear Chris and Family,
I was so touched to hear about how your father responded when he found out that his time on earth was coming to an end. His love for all of you was so evident as he reflected the character of Christ. Facing death has a way of revealing what is inside a person. I know that you will miss him terribly and I'm sure that you long for the day when you will see him again. I love you all.
November 9, 2009
Dear Chris and Akers Family,
Thank you for the email about your dad during the past months and your time together on his last earthly day. We were not aware of his health problems until your email. We're glad you could be together till he breathed his last, and we rejoice with you in the fatih you all share with the promise of seeing him again with our Lord. May our Lord's promises give you comfort and eternal hope.
Uncle Jon and Aunt Betsy
Evalyan Cannon
November 7, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I prayer for you and your family daily for comfort and peace. God bless all of you. Evalyan
Stephanie Paré
November 7, 2009
Dearest Dorcas and Akers family,
I am so sorry for your loss and always enjoyed talking w/ Mr. Akers and his wonderful sense of humor. He has a special place in my heart!
November 7, 2009
Dear Akers Family,
I am so sorry for your heartache at this time. I'll bet Mr. Akers is smiling and happy as he always was here
in this life. He was a precious man who was kind, sweet and funny. He knew what was important in this life and he is reaping his rewards. I always admired how much fun he and Mrs. always had together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Denise Wilbern
November 7, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Praise that Bill is with his sweet Savior. May God's comfort and blessings embrace you.
Love, Randy, Donna and Paul Harris
Rick Gaskins
November 7, 2009
Sherry and I extend our sympathy to you at Bill's death. May God give the comfort and strength you need at this hour.
In Christ,
Rick Gaskins
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