Willie Akins, Jr.

            Services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mr. Willie Akins Jr., 64, of Youngstown, who was welcomed to his Heavenly home on Saturday, Jauary 12, 2019 at Hospice of Valley in North Lima.

            Mr. Akins was born October 3, 1954 in Youngstown, a son off Willie Sr. and Carol Louise Irvin Akins.  He attended Girard High School, and was later employed as a forklift operator at several area factories.  In 2009, he suffered serious injuries in an automobile accident and has since then been confined to his home.  His devoted wife, the former Anita Columbo, whom he married September 2, 1988, and his son, Willie Akins III, cared for him until his commitment to hospice care.      Prior to the injuries suffered in the accident, Willie loved to hunt and fish.  He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an all-around sports enthusiast.

            Besides his wife and son, he leaves to cherish his memory but to rejoice in his peaceful passing, his sisters, Mamie (Williard) Ball of Howland, Doreen (Leslie) Walker of Warren, and Carol Jean (Glenn) of Girard; brothers, Calvin (Andrea) Akins of Germany and James Akins of Youngstown; brother-in-law, John Taylor of Liberty; sisters-in-law, Toni (Pat) Yuhasz of Berlin Center, Tina (Brian) Dell of Hubbard, Mary (Scott) Boegehold of Mesa, AZ and Gina (Ron) Porterfield of Girard; brother-in-law, Joe (Jackie) Columbus of Painesville; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, other family and friends.

            He was preceded in death by both his parents; and sisters, Peggy Clarett and Freddie Mae Taylor.

            Friends may call Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

            The family wishes to express appreciation to Hospice of the Valley, Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi, Willie’s long-time physician and to his staff.  A special thank you is also extended to his sister, Carol, for the loving care she gave her brother during his final days.

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