Hubert Doyce Adkison

Hubert Doyce Adkison, 86, of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and formerly of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 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 U.S. 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 and 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, Fla., 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 225; Hadji Shrine Temple, Pensacola, Fla.; and Scottish Rite in Panama City; and was a life member of the VFW.

In his retirement, Hubert remained active in Bay Sand Co., 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 was 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; one great-great-grandchild; his brother, Brake Duncan Adkison and his wife, Maxine; and the mother of his youngest three children, Jean Courtney; his sister-in-law, Gladys Adkison; and a special niece, Ronna Livingston.

Floral arrangements are being accepted. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, Feb. 6, from 10 until 11 a.m., with the funeral beginning at 11 a.m. in Jerry Evans Chapel with the Rev. James Pickron officiating. Masonic graveside services will follow in Lime Springs Cemetery near Samson, Ala.

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