James Ray Adkins

James Ray Adkins, "Jim", age 63, passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 20, 2012. Born July 4, 1948 in Nitro WV and preceded in death by parents Dorothy Snodgrass Adkins and William Ronald Adkins, brother Eddie Adkins. Jim was a graduate of St. Albans, WV high school, Inf. School, School of the Americas, Engr. School, RR/EO at DRRI Patrick AFB and WV State College; business administration. While in WV, he was employed by Kelly, Gidley, Blair & Wolfe Engineers. Jim served his country in the US Army/Vietnam and held ranks as 2nd Lt., 1st Lt., and CPT. He received numerous rewards and served as Platoon Leader, Reconnaissance Officer, Inf. unit/Company Commander, RR/EO Operations Officer, Cbt. Engr. Unit Commander. He was a certified Race Relations Instructor and served many years in the Army National Guard Reserves. Jim and his wife Kathy lived in Florida for 18 years where they owned a retail store and mail order business. They moved to East TN where Jim established multiple Mortgage businesses and several title companies throughout Florida and in Knoxville, TN. Jim loved his family, playing golf and other outdoor sports, and adored spending time with his grandson Braden Adkins. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and brother. He is sadly missed by his sons Johnathan and Brandon Adkins and all other family members and friends, including his best friend Eddie Thompson. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service in Maryville, TN. Funeral service will begin at 7:30pm. Family and friends will assemble at 1:30pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at East TN Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway in Knoxville for the interment with military honors. Smith Funeral & cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Ray Adkins please visit our Sympathy Store.