David Weaver Akard Jr.

October 11, 1943 - January 5, 2021

It is with heartfelt sadness that our loving husband, father, grandfather and leader, David W. Akard Jr., age 77, of Bristol, Tenn., passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

David was a third generation of the Akard family to become a funeral director having received his license in November 1968. David was a long-time member of the Country Club of Bristol serving the Board of Directors, a member of the Jaycees, The Bristol Host Lions Club, along with many other organizations.

He was a very loved member of the Bristol Community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David W. Akard and Kathleen Willis Akard; his sister, Kathleen Akard Watford and husband, Jerry; and brother-in-law, James Bowdoin.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Melinda Buchanan Akard; daughter, Cynthia Ann Akard and partner, Cory Luellen; his twins, Bambi Brooke Akard and David W. Akard III and wife, Rae; three beloved grandchildren, Davis Buchanan Akard, Alexandra Reagan Akard and Palmer Rayne Akard; sister, Louise Akard Bowdoin; sister-in-law, Diane Hughes and husband, Larry; Beverly Aldridge and brother-in-law, Michael Buchanan and wife, Vicki; and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you everyone for the prayers and support, especially the 3rd Floor Nurses and Staff for the tremendous support and care provided to David during his stay.

A private graveside service will be conducted at Glenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Weddington officing. Due to COVID-19, there will be no formal visitation, the book and picture video will be available 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021, and Friday, January, January 8, 2021, at Akard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Ave., Bristol, TN 37620, or Girls Inc of Bristol, 613 Highland Ave., Bristol, VA 24201.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com

Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Akard family.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bristol Herald Courier on Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Akard

Sponsored by Akard Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Brenda Walsh

January 26, 2021

My mother has worked for David Akard for 35 years. Dave Akard has always treated my mother with respect & dignity. Dave's passing has saddened not only my mom, but the entire Walsh family. Dave Akard has done countless things for my mother & my family, many of them at the darkest times of our lives & when we needed a collective hug or a helping hand the most. Dave Akard has done things for my mom & my family that he didn't have to do, but he did them anyway. Dave Akard will be truly missed. My mother carries the utmost respect & love for Dave Akard as her employer, the leader of the team she has been on for over three decades, & her friend. Dave Akard was more than just a citizen of Bristol, he was a compassionate & caring individual. Dave will never be forgotten by those whose life he touched every day & those he only touched from time to time. Dave Akard was an massively impressive man, who gave my mother the means to support her family for most of my life. My mother & my entire family, can never thank him enough for all he did for us.

Meredith Massie

January 8, 2021

Wade and I were so saddened to learn of David´s death. He was so kind to us and a huge comfort when Mom and Dad died.
He will be sorely missed in the Bristol community.
Love, prayers and many hugs to you Melinda, Bambi, David and your precious family!

Robert Leonard

January 8, 2021

Bristol has lost a fine man. Our deepest sympathies to the family. Bob and Sharon Leonard

Michael Maize

January 8, 2021

David I´m sorry to hear about your father´s passing. Stay healthy my musical buddy.

Retta Vance-Poynter

January 8, 2021

You have always been such a faithful community leader and you have everyone's respect. You will be missed by many. RIP

Phyllis&Jim Kirksey

January 7, 2021

So very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Although gone from Bristol for over 25 years now, we have many fond memories of times with all of the Akard family. David is a fine, fine man. We pray for healing for your and Bristol´s loss. Love, Phyllis&Jim

Pastor Max jackson

January 7, 2021

He will be missed by our church family as well as myself. I appreciate having met a great man.

Tricia Argabrite

January 7, 2021

I am so saddened by David´s death. What a wonderful friend and helper in times of need. I appreciate his friendship with my family.

Linda Cooper simerly

January 7, 2021

Our family is saddened by David´s passing! Much love and sorrow sent to the Akard family.

Archie Hubbard III

January 7, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed my time with David. I remember our fun times in high school. He was a good man and a gentle soul, and we all will miss his presence in our lives.

Gloria Blankenship

January 7, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Akard´s passing. He was the first one to greet me at his funeral home the day my sweet Daddy passed away in March 2020. So lost and not prepared for my Dad´s passing, he was such a gentle soul and made it so much easier to prepare for what my family and I needed to do. I pray that the Lord will comfort all of you in the difficult days ahead and that his peace and understanding will surround each of you!

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