Akins Funeral Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06/09/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/rickey-hughes-2025

Rickey Leon Hughes, age 64, of Phil Campbell, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

He was born on June 8, 1961, to Leon and Lorene Ann Hughes. Rickey was a kind and loving person who lived a life grounded in kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others. He gave freely of his time, his heart, and his spirit, always putting the needs of others before his own. Whether through a gentle word or a shared laugh, Rickey made the people around him feel cherished.

A visitation for Rickey will be held on June 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. A service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Rickey will be laid to rest at Dempsey Cemetery in Belgreen, Alabama.

Rickey is survived by his sisters, Sharon (David) Baker, Mary Williams, and Teresa Fugate (Danny Cole); brothers, Nickey (Kathy) Hughes and Tim Hughes. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, along with many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Author Leon and Lorene Ann Cole Hughes; grandparents, Leamon and Grace Hughes, and William Riley and Lottie Mae Cole; brother, Michael Hughes and sister-in-law, Sherry Hughes.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

Rickey was born on June 8th, 1961 and passed away on June 8th, 2025 at the age of 64

05/23/2025

William Coy Smith, age 78, of Spruce Pine, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 10, 1946, to William Cletus and Catherine Smith. William was a member of the Cowboy Church of Franklin County. He was married for 53 years to his loving wife, Sandra Lynn Smith. William served in the United States Navy for many years and later retiring as truck driver and dispatcher, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was known by many as a hardworking family man who was larger than life.

Memorial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

William is survived by his wife, Sandra Smith; daughters, Lynn King, Shanon Martin, and Jay Pacunas; sister, Vera Woller; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Catherine Smith, and his twin brother, Wilbur Roy Smith.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

William was born on October 10th, 1946 and passed away on May 22nd, 2025 at the age of 78

05/15/2025

To better serve our families, we have just completed an extensive renovation. Fresh paint, new lighting, and fresh faces here ready to serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How can we serve you better? Let us know!

04/24/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/shirley-black-2025

Shirley Ann Black, age 85 of Hackleburg, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Hamilton.

She was born December 4, 1939 to Walter and Crecia Hood. Shirley is remembered for her strong and loving personality. She was "Grandmama" to everyone who knew her! Everyone was welcome in her home. Shirley was a gifted pianist who played for numerous churches and funerals during her life.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Community Church at Hackleburg, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Cedar Tree Cemetery. Pastor Dustin Atkins will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Hood, Brian Hood, Ron Hood, Steve Hood, Mark Black, Mike Anglin, Steve Burnett, and David Wooten.

Shirley is survived by her son in law, Ronnie (Cynthia) Stidham; grandchildren, Emily (Jared) Parker, Morgan (Melaina) Stidham, and Halie (Chantry) Hagood; great grandchildren, Isabella Parker, Lyric Hagood, Kaysen Parker, Judah Hagood, and Ellie Brooke Stidham; brother, Kerry Hood; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Black; daughter, Teresa Black Stidham; parents, Walter and Crecia Hood; siblings, J.C. Hood, Geneva Scott, Jimmie Nell Baker, Louise Scott, Clyde Hood, and Jerry Hood.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

Shirley was born on December 4th, 1939 and passed away on April 24th, 2025 at the age of 85

04/24/2025

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/martha-barnett

Martha Ann Barnett, age 86 of West Monroe, Louisiana, formerly of Russellville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

She was born February 6, 1939 to Floyd and Modenia Willis. She married Reeder Howard Barnett, Jr. in June,1959. Ann was a member of Russellville First Baptist Church and loved her Willing Worker Sunday School Class and serving as a Greeter. She served behind the scenes in many areas including the Food Pantry, Benevolence and Kitchen Ministries and Children's Sunday School.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Brother Richard Parker will officiate. Burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.

Ann leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Teresa (Larry) Whitmire; son, Greg (Andrea) Barnett; brothers in law, Mickey Barnett and Fred Pilgrim; grandchildren, Justin (Johnette) Whitmire, Joshua Whitmire, Chase Barnett, and Mia Barnett; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reeder Howard Barnett, Jr.; parents, Floyd and Modenia Rogers Willis; siblings, Pelham Willis, Madge Willis Casteel, Melba Jean Willis Pickett, Wayne Willis, Mary Lois Willis Mitchell, and Will Willis.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

Ann was born on February 6th, 1939 and passed away on April 22nd, 2025 at the age of 86