Millie Adcock Akins

AKINS, Millie Adcock 95, of St.Petersburg, died at home on Saturday, June 4, 2011 in the loving care of Hospice and her family. Millie was born on May 6, 1916 in Whitewright, TX, the daughter of Celia and Warner Adcock. The family moved to Atlanta in 1919 where she attended public schools and the Atlanta extension of the University of Georgia, Athens. She married J. C. Akins in 1936 and continued to work until beginning their family. They moved to the family farm in Doraville, GA, in 1941 where she honed her skills as a homemaker. As a member of The Home Demonstration Club, she taught and practiced frugal home economics raising five children on home grown meat and vegetables. In 1951 her husband accepted the position as circulation manager of the Evening Independent and the family moved to St. Petersburg. J. C.'s love of sportscars led him to building Presto Car Wash in 1958, built on a shoestring and a prayer. The two, working together, managed a very successful business. They were forced to sell the carwash because of her husband's bout with cancer. In order to fulfill a dream the two took the opportunity to tour Europe together in 1963. After a brief return to Atlanta and the assurance his cancer was cured, the couple returned to St. Petersburg and renewed their pursuit of their goals in the carwash business. They built the El Dorado Car Wash in Tampa and enjoyed overwhelming success. As a consequence they enjoyed their companionship with other owners through their membership in the Southeastern Carwash Association and the International Car Wash Association. It allowed them to travel extensively throughout the country. They built a mountaintop retreat, Foxwood, in North Carolina. Millie enjoyed her friends through her membership in Sinawik and other civic endeavors. She expressed her devotion to God through her faithful attendance at the First United Methodist Church. She particularly enjoyed teaching Sunday school and participating in the Rebecca Circle. Millie is predeceased by her husband, J.C. Akins, her son, Joel Chadwick Akins, a grandson, Joel D. Martin and a great grandson, Jacob Cullum. She is survived by her four daughters, Sue A. Martin, (Charles P.), Judith A. Brown, (Gary E.) Jill A. Cullum, (Richard O.-Deceased) Jane A. Lane (Richard A.); her eight grandchildren, Corydon Martin, Jonathan Martin, Gary E. Brown, Jr., Lauren Glass, Chad Cullum, Matthew Cullum, Jennifer Lane and Amanda Lane. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren and one great- great-granddaughter as well as numerous nephews and nieces. The family is extremely grateful for the loving care and concern given by caretakers Pearl Jones, Willene Thomas, Sarita Richards and Vesna Radak. Visitation will be on June 7th from 10:30-11 am, followed by services in the sanctuary conducted by the Rev. David R. Miller at the First United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, 212 Third Street North. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Millie Adcock Akins to, Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760