Robert F Akin

Robert “Bob” Akin died on April 19, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born in north Georgia on May 24, 1930, and raised in Etowah Tennessee. Bob was the fourth child for his parents, James and Mary Johnson Akin.  It was at this time that his parents realized that God had given them the best child that he could and that future attempts would never measure up.

At an early age Bob joined the Tennessee National Guard and was given a special invitation to visit the country of Korea along with many other Americans in 1950. By chance, his trip to Korea was diverted and he spent time in Japan in support of the war effort with the US Army. This was the start of a twenty-five-year career in the U.S. Army, rising through the ranks from enlisted, to warrant officer and ultimately to the rank of Major when he retired in 1972. At that time, he had completed three tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.  After leaving the Army, he was a flight instructor and aircraft maintenance officer at what is now Fort Novosel.  He enjoyed sharing his years of experience with countless young pilots just starting their careers in service to their country. Then in 1994 he retired from the Army again and began his career as a volunteer that he very much enjoyed.  

When Bob was stationed in Puerto Rico, he met his first wife Angela Acevedo Akin. They spent many loving years together and Bob appreciated the support of her extended family that still continues.  After a grueling battle with cancer, Angie passed in 2000.

Bob spent most of his adult life in Enterprise. Bob joined Toastmaster’s International in 1976 and was an active member for the rest of his life, including a term as District Governor for Alabama. He loved seeing new members grow in confidence and develop their speaking and leadership skills. His mission in life was to encourage others and help them “be all they could be.”   Bob served the people of Enterprise and throughout the Wiregrass area as a volunteer tax preparer and area supervisor with the AARP Tax Aide program. Other volunteer work included serving as a proctor for American Mensa. He kept busy and gave back well into his retirement.

In 2003 he charmed Laurel O’Connor Akin into marrying him, despite having no job or intention of finding one at the time. It was a loving marriage that welcomed Bob into a new family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Angela Acevedo Akin, his parents, James Akin and Mary Johnson Akin, two sisters and one brother and grandson Connor Jacobs.

Survivors include his wife, Laurel O’Connor Akin, stepdaughter Emily Nix, stepsons Jack Jacobs (Kristen) and Michael Jacobs (Jennifer), five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 on Sunday, April 28 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Enterprise with Rev. Dr. Olivia Poole officiating.

In remembrance of Bob's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St Luke United Methodist Church at 201 Heath, Enterprise, AL 36330 (stlukeenterprise.org) or the Fisher House Foundation Inc. at 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852  (fisherhouse.org)

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