Barry Edward Adkins Sr.

Barry Edward Adkins, Sr. Barry Edward Adkins, Sr., the oldest of four children, was born on August 20, 1945, to the late Malchi Sr., and Iona Whitehead Adkins, of Charles City County, Virginia. He was raised near his paternal and maternal grandparents. He often spoke of the many memories he experienced with them, alongside his aunt, Connie, who was just two years older in age. Barry joined St. John Baptist Church at an early age and remained in fellowship all his life. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Phillip D. Adkins. After graduating from Ruthville High School in Charles City, Virginia, in 1963, Barry matriculated at Virginia Union University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1968. Upon graduation, Barry was drafted into the United States Army, serving a tour in Korea. He later earned his Master of Science in Education from Virginia State University. Barry's entire career evolved around educating young minds through teaching and coaching. He was employed for seven years by Goochland County Public Schools and 25 years with Richmond Public Schools. In addition to his public school service, Barry was an integral part of the Virginia Union University Upward Bound Program for 32 years. For leisure, Barry enjoyed playing baseball and was a member of the Charles City Black Sox. Later in life, he found the love of playing spades and spending quality time with his grandkids. Barry, Sr., is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Barbara Adkins; his children: Barry Edward Adkins, Jr., Chanthony Whiting, Tashika Nixon-Williams (Timothy), and Carl L. Daniels; daughter-in-love, Jamila Flowers; grandchildren: TaVonya, Ashawnti, and Chase Whiting, Chandler Nixon, Cali Daniels, and Lutrell Williams; great-grandchildren: Charity and Amayah Ellis, who were the light of his life; siblings: Malchi, Jr., Byron Adkins, Sr. (Bernice), and Mona Adkins-Easley; nieces and nephews: Breshae Bedward (Corne!), Byron Adkins, Jr., (Nicole), and Kaci Easley (Justin Minor); great nieces and nephews: Brooklyn and Chase Bedward, and Byron, Ill and Bellamy Adkins; aunts and uncles: Phyllis Charity, Vivian Walker, Carolyn Whitehead, Connie Crawley, Langston Whitehead Sr., and Estella and Robert Leftenant; five sisters-in-law: Carolyn Stevenson (Lewis), Wanda Crawford (William), Jackie McIntosh, Cozetta Dunham, and Teresa Dunham; a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Tributes

Barry Edward Adkins Sr.

August 20, 1945 - January 11, 2023