Dr. William E. Akin

Dr. William E. Akin

Upcoming Events

Aug

27

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

First Methodist Church

865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Send Flowers

Aug

27

Service

11:00 a.m.

First Methodist Church

865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Send Flowers

Only 12 hours left for delivery to next service.

Dr. William E. Akin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 23, 2025.
Dr. William E. Akin, former Academic Vice President of Ursinus College 1979-1996, historian, baseball historian, beloved husband, father, and friend, died on June 26, 2025, at age 88. He is survived by his wife K. Elizabeth Akin; a daughter Lynn S. Akin; stepchildren, Adana Brauer and Denton Covert III (Jacqui); grand children, Sydney and Chloe Brauer, Brenden and Griffen (Alana) Covert. He was predeceased by a son, William Jr.. Dr. Akin was born in rural Alabama, the son of Emily Williams Akin Smith and W. D. Akin. He received his BA and MA from the University of Maryland, his PhD from the University of Rochester, and an honorary doctorate degree from Tohoku Gakuin University, Sendai, Japan. He served 2 years in the US Army. His book, Technocracy and the American Dream, was recently cited in a Jill Lapore NYT op ed column as "the definitive historical study of the movement." His major love was baseball, and he contributed many articles to periodicals as well as authored 3 books on the subject. His professional career included administrative positions at Loyola College and Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, during the 1970s. While at Ursinus, he served on the editorial boards of Pennsylvania Folklife Magazine and Small College Creativity. He also served on the boards of Pennsylvania Historic Preservation and Preservation Pennsylvania. Having stepped down as Academic Vice President at Ursinus, he continued to serve the College as Athletic Director for 5 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Methodist Church, Phoenixville, PA, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, visitation at 10:00 AM and, service at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions can be made to Ursinus College, First Methodist Church of Phoenixville, or the University of Maryland.

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

Sign Dr. William E. Akin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Merrilyn Hodgson-Haarsma posted to the memorial.

August 24, 2025

Susan Crow posted to the memorial.

August 24, 2025

Joyce Lionarons posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Merrilyn Hodgson-Haarsma

Yesterday

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday. I know the love of your family will give you strength. Hugs and love. Merrilyn Hodgson-Haarsma

Susan Crow

August 24, 2025

Uncle Bill made a difference in the lives of many. He was a beautiful balance of an intellectual academic and a humble, gentle curious soul. So many memories. Grateful to have known him and loved him.

Joyce Lionarons

August 24, 2025

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. As Dean of Ursinus College, Bill hired me to be an assistant professor in the English Department almost 40 years ago, and we were friends ever after. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Dr. William E. Akin's name

How to support Dr. William E.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dr. William E. Akin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Aug

27

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

First Methodist Church

865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Send Flowers

Aug

27

Service

11:00 a.m.

First Methodist Church

865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Send Flowers

Only 12 hours left for delivery to next service.