Willis Adkins Obituary
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He was born July 10, 1941, at Betsy Layne in Floyd County, Kentucky, and was the son of the late James Adkins and Opal Lewis Adkins. In addition to his parents, Willis was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Shelby Jean Allen Adkins, on January 14, 2025; a daughter, Lisa Carol Adkins; a brother, James Ed Adkins; two sisters, Mona Lou Daniels and Jo Ann Lafferty; a son-in-law, Terry Dotson; and a daughter-in-law, Melissa Adkins.
Willis is survived by one son, Willis Gene Adkins of Cadiz, Kentucky; one daughter, Donna Dotson of Flemingsburg; one granddaughter, Shonna Gray and husband Kyle; and one great grandson, Owen Gray, all of Flemingsburg, Kentucky; one sister, Norma Justice and husband Howard of Pike County, Kentucky, as well as extended family and friends.
Willis devoted 28 years of his life to Culligan Water before opening and operating his own business, Adkins Puritan Water, in Stanville, Kentucky. A tireless worker and a familiar face throughout the region, he faithfully provided sales and service to countless families for many years.
A member of the Free Will Baptist faith, Willis served as a pastor to multiple churches across Eastern Kentucky for more than 50 years. His ministry touched many lives, and his guidance and compassion will be remembered by those whose lives he influenced.
Willis enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but nothing meant more to him than the moments he shared with his family and friends. His presence, kindness, and unwavering dedication will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a legacy of service and gratitude that will be forever remembered by all who knew him and loved him.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Robert Kidd officiating. Burial will follow in Davidson Memorial Cemetery in Ivel, Kentucky.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.
View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willis Palmer Adkins, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351
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