James Edward "Buddy" Akers

James Edward "Buddy" Akers, 82, of White Mills accepted his crown Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, after another battle with cancer.

He was lifetime member of White Mills Christian Church, where he served as an elder, deacon and treasurer. He was a founding member of the White Mills Volunteer Fire Department, having served as chief and assistant chief over a period of 30 years. Buddy retired from Gates Rubber Company after 32 years. He was a courageous Christian man who fought many health issues over the years, but found his courage from knowing that "God was in control." His goal in life was, "If I can help somebody along life's way."

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mildred Akers; and several extended family members and fishing buddies.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Edna Mae Dupin Akers; his two children, Jim Akers and wife, Christine, of Paris, Kentucky, Cindy Richardson and husband, Kent, of White Mills. He is also survived by his four granddaughters, Amelia Kane (Garth) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Michaela Rosenberger of Louisville and Elizabeth Buckles and Caroline Akers of Paris. He is survived by his most precious gifts of three great-grandsons, Killian James and Declan John Kane and Thomas James Buckles; his sister, Martha Terry of Elizabethtown; and several extended family members. He also is survived by two stepdaughters, Brittany Gazo (Matt) and Ali Scott (Matt); and eight stepgrandchildren, Addie, Klayton, Eric, Kyrie, Sawyer, Carter, Max and Lennon.

The funeral is at noon Wednesday, Oct. 2, at White Mills Christian Church with Pastor Tim Dennis officiating. Burial follows in White Mills Cemetery.

Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown and continues at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the White Mills Christian Church Building Fund, 1015 Copelin Road, White Mills KY 42788.