Akins Funeral Home

Akins Funeral Home “We are here for you!”
Locally owned and operated by the Martin Family. Welcome to the Akins Funeral Home, Inc. website.

As a local family owned and operated business for the past 28 plus years, we proudly continue to offer the very best in service and merchandise. In an age when many funeral homes are being acquired by large corporations, Akins Funeral Home remains committed to the local community. Simply stated: "We believe people come first, we think you will find this refreshing in an era that tends to feel the main objective of a business is amassing large profits without regard to the quality of services rendered." If you have made prearrangements or prepaid with another funeral home we can easily transfer those benefits on your behalf at no extra charge to be used at Akins Funeral Home.

Blenda Gail Bell, age 74 of the East Franklin Community, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at home surrounded by her l...
08/30/2025

Blenda Gail Bell, age 74 of the East Franklin Community, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Gail was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. She was an avid collector of Noah's Ark and Elvis figurines and artifacts. Gail loved to travel. She was know as "Maw Maw Gail" to many of her "babies" and her grandchildren.

A joint visitation with her late husband, Rodger will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, where the service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at East Franklin Cemetery. Brother Jason Burcham will officiate.

Gail is survived by her son, Rodney Bell; grandson, Hayden Bell (Emily); granddaughter, Abigail Bell (Jackson); great grandson, Palmer Bell; brother, Barry Jones (Theresa); sister-in-law, Sheila Jones; nieces, Ashley Jones, Summer, and Raegan; and a host of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Quinton Rodger Bell; son, Jeff Bell; parents, Vernon and Willodean Jones; and brother, Wendell Jones.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/blenda-bell

Blenda was born on October 25th, 1950 and passed away on August 29th, 2025 at the age of 74

Helen Denise Wells, age 72, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. She was born on April 3,...
08/29/2025

Helen Denise Wells, age 72, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. She was born on April 3, 1954 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to her parents James and Grace Jolly

Denise enjoyed sewing and all kinds of crafts, and she especially loved watching college football.

A graveside service to honor Denise will be on September 3, 2025 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Franklin Memory Gardens in Russellville, Alabama.

Pallbearers will be Gary Messer, Zachary Wells, Matt Glass, Chad Wells, Norman York, and George Johnson. Honorary pallbearer, Charlie Messer.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James Wells; her sons, Jason (Traci) Wells and Michael (Amanda) Wells; her daughter, Suzanne (Gary) Messer; and her brother, Jimmy Jolly. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Zachary Wells, Alyssa Wells, Katie Messer, and Charlie Messer, along with a host of extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Grace Jolly.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Helen was born on April 3rd, 1954 and passed away on August 28th, 2025 at the age of 71

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/celestino-jimenez-galvezCelestino Jimenez Galvez, age 61, passed away on Tuesday, Aug...
08/28/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/celestino-jimenez-galvez

Celestino Jimenez Galvez, age 61, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at his residence in Phil Campbell, Alabama. He was born in on May 19, 1964 in Guerrero, Mexico.

Celestino is survived by his wife, Ventura Jimenez; daughter, Lucy Jimenez; sons, Emi Jimenez, Wilbert Jimenez and Bryan Jimenez; son-in-law, Israel Barrientos; daughter-in-laws, Margarita Alarcon and Ana Alvarez; grandsons, Abraham and Alex; and granddaughters, Rose, Janette, Joselyn, and Samara.

Preceding Celestino in death was his father, Francisco Jimenez; mother, Teodula Galvez; and son, Alexander Jimenez.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Akins Funeral Home of Russellville from noon until 2pm. A funeral service will follow at 2pm in the Akins Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be at East Franklin Cemetery in Russellville, Alabama.

Akins Funeral Home of Russellville is assisting the family.

You are invited to share memories and leave condolences online at www.akinsfh.com

Celestino Jiménez Gálvez, de 61 años, falleció el martes 26 de agosto de 2025 en su residencia de Phil Campbell, Alabama. Nació el 19 de mayo de 1964 en Guerrero, México.

A Celestino le sobreviven su esposa, Ventura Jiménez; su hija, Lucy Jiménez; sus hijos, Emi Jiménez, Wilbert Jiménez y Bryan Jiménez; su yerno, Israel Barrientos; sus nueras, Margarita Alarcón y Ana Álvarez; sus nietos, Abraham y Alex; y sus nietas, Rose, Janette, Joselyn y Samara.

A Celestino le precedieron en la muerte su padre, Francisco Jiménez; su madre, Teodula Gálvez; y su hijo, Alexander Jiménez.

El velorio será el sábado 30 de agosto de 2025, en la funeraria Akins Funeral Home de Russellville, desde el mediodía hasta las 2 p. m. Despus, se celebrará un funeral a las 2 p. m. en la capilla de la funeraria Akins Funeral Home. El entierro tendrá lugar en el cementerio East Franklin Cemetery de Russellville, Alabama.

La funeraria Akins Funeral Home de Russellville está ayudando a la familia.

Le invitamos a compartir sus recuerdos y dejar sus condolencias en línea en akinsfh.com

Celestino was born on May 19th, 1964 and passed away on August 26th, 2025 at the age of 61

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/quinton-bellQuinton Rodger Bell, age 76 of the East Franklin Community, passed away W...
08/28/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/quinton-bell

Quinton Rodger Bell, age 76 of the East Franklin Community, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Rodger was born September 19, 1948 to Opal Bell. He was an avid coin collector and loved to hunt. Rodger was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be at East Franklin Cemetery. Pastor Jason Burcham will officiate.

Quinton is survived by his wife of 57 years, Blenda Gail Bell; son, Rodney Bell; grandchildren, Hayden and Emily Bell, Abigail (Jackson) Bell; and great grandson, Palmer Bell.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Bell; and son Jeff Bell

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Quinton was born on September 19th, 1948 and passed away on August 27th, 2025 at the age of 76

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/donald-weilerDonald Dean Weiler, age 89, of Russellville, Alabama, went to be with hi...
08/11/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/donald-weiler

Donald Dean Weiler, age 89, of Russellville, Alabama, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 10, 2025.

He was born May 3, 1936, to his parents Guy Ernest and Dessa May Weiler. Donnie was a man of integrity and compassion who loved God, his family, and friends. He always said he believed he was truly blessed and sat at the foot of The Cross during his life. Donnie was a Christian and mentored many who struggled with life's trials. He retired after many years as manager of Custom Hoist, and after retirement worked with Pinkard Funeral Homes. Donnie was a veteran who served in the US Army.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Russellville First Baptist Church from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 a.m. where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Chase Dowdy and Pastor Joel Davis will officiate. Burial will be at New Friendship Cemetery in Belgreen, Alabama.

Pallbearers will be Alan Wilson, Gregg Trapp, Ricky Hall, Ken Farr, Greg Crowe, and Larry Gilmer. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Bowling's Sunday School class.

Donnie is survived by his wife who he loved and cherished deeply, Sandra "Sandi" Richardson Weiler; daughters, Camille Lindsey (Bill) and Cheryl Weiler of Ashland, Ohio; stepson, Jason R Hill (Dana); grandson, Nicholas Jason Hill; and several other grandchildren, great grandchildren, Nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Ernest and Dessa May Weiler; son, Benjamin Weiler; sisters, Marjorie Vining, Juanita Harding, and Bea Weiler; brother, Guy Weiler ll, Wayne Weiler, and Robert L. Weiler.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Donald was born on May 3rd, 1936 and passed away on August 10th, 2025 at the age of 89

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/vivin-angusVivin Delila Angus, 84, of Rockford, Illinois, formerly of Phil Campbell, ...
08/05/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/vivin-angus
Vivin Delila Angus, 84, of Rockford, Illinois, formerly of Phil Campbell, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on July 28, 2025.

Born on October 5, 1940, in Phil Campbell, Alabama, Delila was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She spent many years as a talented hair stylist, touching the lives not just through her work, but with her kindness and vibrant spirit. Delila found joy in the simple pleasures-she loved to play bingo with her son, Alan, watch her favorite soap operas, and care for her beloved dog, Buster.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Angus; her children, Alan, Cecilia, Rhonda, Melissa, and Deirdre; and her parents, Robert Williams Sr. and Lillie Murray, her sister Beverly Miles, and brother, Robert Williams Jr. Delila is

survived by her seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren: Jason (Contessa) Yungen, Shane Bouma, Joseph (Heather) Yungen, Mark (Katey) Thomas, Krissy Rae Angus Mitchell, Karl Grill, and Bobby Grill. They will remember her for her resilience, warmth, and deep love for her family.

Funeral services will be held at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama Thursday August 7, 2025, at 2:00 P.M, with internment to follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Phil Campbell, Alabama.

Delila's presence, laughter, and unwavering love will be missed dearly, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Vivin was born on October 5th, 1940 and passed away on July 28th, 2025 at the age of 84

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/zayne-rice In memory of beloved baby Zayne Orion Rice, who passed away surrounded by ...
07/24/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/zayne-rice

In memory of beloved baby Zayne Orion Rice, who passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 22, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital Women & Children Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Baby Zayne was Born on July 9, 2025. Although, baby Zayne's time with us was brief, his presence brought a lifetime of love. Baby Zayne was a beautiful gift who filled hearts with joy, hope, and endless dreams. From baby Zayne's very first breath, he was deeply cherished by his family and all who awaited his arrival with excitement and love. Baby Zayne came into this world quietly, but his impact was profound. He lived surrounded by love. Every heartbeat, every breath, and every gentle touch a promise that he would be remembered forever and always.

A funeral visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Akins funeral home following the visitation a service will be held starting at 2:00 P.M.

Baby Zayne was survived by his loving parents, Hailey Omland and Seth Rice; paternal grandparents, Christopher and Kindra Rice; maternal grandparents, Barbara and Nathan Omland; Paternal great-grandparents David and Linda Olson, David Rice, and Kim Gray; maternal great-grandmother, Beatriz Seijas. Baby Zayne was also survived by 9 aunts, 3 uncles, and numerous other loving family members whose lives were forever touched by his gentle spirit.

Baby Zayne is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfather Mark Gray; maternal great-grandfathers, Antonio Seijas and Arnold Omland; and paternal great-uncle Cayle Gray.

Condolences for baby Zayne may be shared at akinsfh.com

Zayne was born on July 9th, 2025 and passed away on July 22nd, 2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/debra-hittDebra Hitt, age 75, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away at her residence ...
07/05/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/debra-hitt
Debra Hitt, age 75, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away at her residence on Friday July 4, 2025.

She was born December 5, 1949. Debra was a long-time business owner and florist at Thorn's Florist.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. where a funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m.. Burial will take place at Franklin Memory Gardens. Brother Jerry Pounders and Brother Richard Parker will officiate.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 56 years, James Hitt; daughter, Joy Hitt Fuller; great granddaughter, Kaley Addison Fuller; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry Hitt, Judy Hitt; and nephews, Doil Akins, Cary, Hitt, and Jody Hitt.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Matt Fuller; parents, Doil and Elpha Thorn; sister, Mabra Jean Akins; and infant brother, Clintis Thorn.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Debra was born on December 5th, 1949 and passed away on July 4th, 2025 at the age of 75

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/evelyn-ashtonEvelyn Gibson Ashton, age 62, of Phil Campbell, Alabama, passed away at ...
06/28/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/evelyn-ashton

Evelyn Gibson Ashton, age 62, of Phil Campbell, Alabama, passed away at Russellville Hospital on Friday, June 27, 2025.

She was born on December 10, 1962, to Jimmy and Thelma Gibson. Evelyn loved her children and grandchildren very much. She was a hard worker, owning a tile company for many years. Most of all, Evelyn enjoyed watching her grandchildren play at their sporting activities.

A memorial service will be held at White Head Hollow, 2531 County Road 3418, Haleyville, AL 35565, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1pm.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Brandy (Bill) Bates, Jimmy (Mandi) Knox, Timothy (Raven) Ashton, and Michael (Janna) Ashton, Jr; sister, Ruby (Melvin) Green; brother-in-law, Greg Ashton; grandchildren, Kelsey, Megan, Seth, Brooklyn, Maci, Abby, Colton, Cella, Taylynn, Bristol, Kallie, Zoie, Hadley, Willow, and Lainey; great-grandchildren, Ryland, Brentlee, Baylor, Marlee, JamesMark, Olivia, Axel, and Ayden; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a very close and special friend to our mother, Sharon Sparks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael “Mike” Ashton, Sr.; parents, Jimmy Gibson and Thelma Gibson; son, Ricky Knox, Jr.; grandson, Ethan Knox; as well as several sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Evelyn was born on December 10th, 1962 and passed away on June 27th, 2025 at the age of 62

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/sharon-gipson-2025Eula Sharon Fuller-Gipson, age 76, of Sheffield, Alabama, passed aw...
06/28/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/sharon-gipson-2025
Eula Sharon Fuller-Gipson, age 76, of Sheffield, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Southern Regional Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia

Sharon was born October 25, 1948 to Leonard and Lennis Pennington. She Enjoyed playing "Bingo" as well as other games. Sharon was known for being an excellent cook and an even better grandmother. She cherished and cared for her grandchildren more than anything in the world.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Brother Seth Hood and Brother David Kiel.

Sharon is survived by her Husband, Chuck Gipson Sr.; sons, Roger (Pam) Fuller, Dustin (Hanna) Fuller, Jamey Fuller; daughters Kim (former husband Roger) Hargett, Lisa (Ron) Fuller; stepson, Chuck (Jessica) Gipson Jr.; stepdaughter, Tina (Michael) Lintz; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and siblings, Jeff Pennington and Phylis Burns.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Roger Fuller; father, Lenard "J" Pennington; mother, Lennis Curtis; and siblings, Dorris Howell, Margie Wade, and JR Pennington

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

Sharon was born on October 25th, 1948 and passed away on June 25th, 2025 at the age of 76

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/brenda-bates-2025Brenda Lee Bates, known by her family as "Pee-Wee" and "Nanny", age ...
06/21/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/brenda-bates-2025

Brenda Lee Bates, known by her family as "Pee-Wee" and "Nanny", age 83, of Sheffield, Alabama, passed away at North Alabama Medical Center on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

She was born on November 3, 1941, to E.L. and Minnie Ho**er. Brenda enjoyed fishing, playing bingo, and playing cards. Her favorite pass time in the summer was working in her yard, watching and feeding her birds and plants. She loved to cut up and have fun, especially joking with her children when they would claim which was the favorite child, although she loved each child equally. She was loved by everyone that knew her.

Brenda's faith was not about buildings or pews, it was in her heart, in the way she treated people, and in the love, she showed every single day. Brenda had a quiet, steady kind of faith that spoke louder than words. She believed in grace, kindness, and doing good wherever she could. You did not have to hear her talk about Jesus to know she walked with him; you could see it in the way she lived.

A visitation for Brenda will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Brenda will be laid to rest at Ridge Cemetery in Golden, Mississippi.

Brenda is survived by her sons, Van Bates and Rickey (Susan) Bates; daughter, Jenny Roberson; grandchildren, Jacob (Hillary) Bates, Ashley Bates, Tye Roberson, Anna (Chase) Hopkins, Stephanie (Clayton) Straight, Jesse (Kristin) Bates; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Bates, Kallie Bates, Maddie Elkins, Abel Jones, Kristian Doss, Alexis Doss, Akyrah Kirkman, Zayde Roberson, Cash Hopkins, Ayla Kay Hopkins, Brody Bates, and Braxton Bates; sister, Marie Mason; and brother, Robert Ho**er. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who were very special to her, as well as many friends, neighbors, and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, E.L. and Minnie Ho**er; husband, Waldrep “Ras” Bates; daughter, Charlotte Lee Bates; great-grandson, Brantlee Ray Presley; brothers, Bill Ho**er and Jack Ho**er; and sisters, Doris Baker, Jean Nichols, and Mary Colburn.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

Brenda was born on November 3rd, 1941 and passed away on June 19th, 2025 at the age of 83

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/robert-greenhillRobert Jerry Greenhill, age 82 of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Russe...
06/12/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/robert-greenhill
Robert Jerry Greenhill, age 82 of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Russellville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Banner Boswell Memorial Hospital in Sun City, Arizona.

Jerry was born June 7, 1942 to Artis and Ludie Mae Greenhill. He enjoyed shopping at Home Depot, thrifting, and antiquing. Jerry will be remembered for his light-hearted jokes and his positive outlook. In his own words, "There are no bad days, only good and better days."

Visitation will be Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Cedar Creek Cemetery, Red Bay.

Jerry is survived by his spouse, Theresa Beckett; sons, Greg Greenhill and Dwight Greenhill; daughter, Sonya (Jeff) Mettille; stepdaughter, Sarah Haley; stepsons, Christopher (Becky) Beckett and Aaron Escarcega; brothers, Larry Greenhill and Lanny Paul Greenhill; sisters, Gwen Pounders, Eunice Higgins, and Jewel Reinhart; grandchildren, Josh Greenhill, Ashley Greenhill, Dakoda (Heather) Mettille, Hailie Mettille, Brittany Rickard, Jade Haley, Emily Haley, Desmond Haley, Matthew Escarcega, and Abrielle Escarcega; greatgrandchildren, Harper Rickard, Hendrix Mettille, and Dexter Mettille; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Artis and Ludie Mae Greenhill; wife, Betty Sue Greenhill; and many loving siblings.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Robert was born on June 7th, 1942 and passed away on June 5th, 2025 at the age of 82

Address

13455 Highway 43 South
Russellville, AL
35653

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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