Elder Lonnie L. Adkins
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656
(p) 740-682-6696
(f) 740-682-7862
Elder Lonnie L. Adkins, age 88, passed away Sunday, November 29th, 2020 at Adena Regional Medical Center of Chillicothe. He was born November 23rd, 1932 in Oak Hill, Ohio to the late Charles and Lucille (Leonard) Adkins.
When he was 11 years old, he lost sight in both eyes. He attended Columbus School for the Blind and learned to read braille. He had a large set of bibles. He started preaching at the age of 45 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Oak Hill, Ohio until 2011. He then joined the Beaver Valley Church of the United Baptist in Beaver, Ohio.
Lonnie married his first wife, Beulah Roseberry on November 24th, 1977 and she preceded him in death on January 10th, 2003. He married his second wife, Audrey (Curtis) Rigsby on October 12th, 2013.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey (Curtis) Adkins; one brother, Douglas Adkins; three sisters: Doris (Robert) Puckett, Phyllis Cooper, and Edith Reese; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and first wife, he is preceded in death by one brother, Elmo Adkins and two sisters, Faye Adkins and Elaine Moore.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 from 11AM-12PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12PM with Elders David Trimble, Charles Smith, and Charlie Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Per CDC and governor guidelines, everyone is to wear a mask while indoors and practice proper social distancing procedures. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
“Remembering Uncle Lonnie”
On November 29, 2020, at 2:15 a.m., the Rev. Lonnie Leonard Adkins, age 88, passed from this life into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.
Born November 23, 1932, Lonnie was the second-eldest child in a family of 10 – the son of Charles and Lucille Adkins, and beloved brother to Faye; Elmo and wife, Ruth; Phyllis and husband, Kenny; Elaine and husband, Buck; Edith and husband, Weldon; Douglas and wife, Bobbie; Doris and husband, Bob. He was a devoted son, husband, pastor and brother in Christ; and friend to many.
But to 13 nieces and nephews who adored him, and their extended families -- he was always just “Uncle Lonnie.”
At the age of 11, Lonnie was permanently blinded by a tragic accident that would change his life forever – but this did not stop him from leading a fruitful and remarkable life, in every way possible. As a young adult, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was later called by the Lord to preach. He became an ordained minister, and eventually the Pastor of Hickory Grove Enterprise Baptist Church, where he ministered for many years. He was a learned scholar as well, who loved to read, track national and world news, and he loved people. He was active in his church community; interested in government and the lives of his family, friends and neighbors; and he never met a stranger. He also loved good food, baseball, music, and had a rich, deep singing voice of his own; and he loved God.
In the family, Lonnie was a leader. He was thoughtful, steady, strong and wise; but he also had a dry wit and endearing sense of humor. He was a master story teller, loved to make others laugh, and was always a willing listener.
Lonnie couldn’t see with his earthly eyes, but in his own way, he could see deeply into the soul of his fellow man. He was a gracious, kind, humble man, with a quiet dignity that drew instant respect; his fortitude and optimism were a beacon. He was a lover of life, which he embraced -- and an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Thank you, Uncle Lonnie, just for being you—you were a shining example to us all. We love you and miss you, but we’ll meet again someday.
***
“Yes I’ll reach home, praise the Lord, some sweet day—
When I walk up that great Milky Way.
Goodbye old world, good morning there, before the throne.
Oh what a singing there will be, when I get home.”
***
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