James "Randy" Akins Sr.

STATESBORO, Ga. -- James "Randy" Akins Sr., age 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A lifelong native of Bulloch County, Randy attended Portal High School before beginning a dedicated career in law enforcement with the Emanuel County Sheriff's Office, where he served for 20 years. He later worked with Meadow Gold Ice Cream, later known as Parmalot, for 14 years. Randy continued to serve his community part-time with the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
In 1996, Randy and his wife, Sandra, founded A & A Vault Company to coincide with the opening of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro. Over the years, their business grew to serve funeral homes throughout Southeast Georgia.
Randy attended Brooklet Primitive Baptist Church.
Though his work kept him busy, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren's ball games and activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rayford Akins and Neva Newton Akins; his son, Randy Waters; his brothers, Arnold Ray Akins, Gary Akins, Delton Akins and Herman Akins; mother-in-law, Willie Lee Morris Cato; and brother-in-law, Sammy Cato.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Cato Akins; his children, Dave Akins (Paula), Jay Akins (Melanie) and Dana Roberts (Tim); his grandchildren, Clay Akins, Taylor Hammond, Lauren Kerbo, Lindsey Akins, Bailee Roberts, Kade Roberts and Sage Roberts; and his great-grandchildren, Brantley Dale Gennaro' Akins, James Michael Akins and Elizabeth Kerbo. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Lennon (Tommy); and three sisters-in-law, Sherri Akins, Irene Akins and Deborah Cato.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory.
The funeral service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Elder Keith Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Bulloch Memorial Gardens with Elder Lee Chambers officiating.
Pallbearers will be Kade Roberts, Brian Akins, Jared Akins, Dale Akins, Addison Carrol and Daniel Hammond.
Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of A & A Vault Company.
Memorial contributions may be made to Affinity Hospice of Claxton, 109 South Duval Street, Claxton, GA 30417.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, August 5, 2025
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.