Hubert Doyce Adkison

Mr. Hubert Doyce Adkison, age 86, of DeFuniak Springs, formerly of Fort Walton Beach, passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at his residence. He was born Nov. 18, 1925, in Hacoda, Ala., the son of Ralph Fulton Adkison and Barbara Alice Welch Adkison.

He served his country with the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater, Germany and France. After completing his tour of duty he returned to the Fort Walton Beach area, in its early growth years, where he and his wife owned and operated Adkison Auto Service, one of Fort Walton's only 24-hour service centers.

Later, in 1961, he opened, owned and operated Bay Sand Company. Also, in 1989, he built and founded 98 West Package and Lounge in Mary Esther with the sweat of his brow, and left its proud operation to his daughter, Wanda. In addition, Country Corner Food Store of Fort Walton Beach was founded in 1978 in like manner, and its operation was granted to Sue Abrahamsen. He retired to Mossy Head where he built his dream home and maintained a 23-acre complex of workshops, buildings and farm land.

He was a member of Omega Lodge and a perpetual honorary member of Glendale Lodge No. 225; Hadji Shrine Temple, Pensacola,and Scottish Rite in Panama City, and was a life member of V.F.W. In his retirement Hubert remained active in Bay Sand Company, Inc. as a mentor to his granddaughter, integral part of the company's operation and success, and visionary in fulfilling the legacy upon which the company was founded. He loved to watch wrestling and boxing and was always a fan of western movies.

He is predeceased by the mother of his eldest two children, Eva Adkison, three brothers, Oscar, Norman and Roy D., and two sisters, Lennie and Birdie.

Among survivors are his daughters, Sue Abrahamsen, Wanda Howard and husband Brian, Alice "Chris" Barton and husband Chuck and Kathy DuBose and husband Jamey; his son, Pete Adkison; his grandchildren, Shelia, Michelle, Missy, Theresa, Justin, Cassie, Andie and Joshua; three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Brake Duncan Adkison and his wife Maxine; the mother of his youngest three children, Jean Courtney ; his sister-in-law, Gladys Adkison; and a special niece, Ronna Livingston.

The family received friends at the funeral home Monday, Feb. 6, from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral beginning at 11 a.m. in Jerry Evans Chapel with Reverend James Pickron officiating. Masonic graveside Services followed in Lime Springs Cemetery near Samson, Ala.

Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com.