Roy C. Akins Sr.

Roy C. Akins Sr. was born on May 15, 1949, to John and Louise Akins of Starkville, MS. He was the 6th of 7 children born to his parents. Roy passed away on April 24, 2025. Roy was affectionately known by many names—Tall Man, Coach Akins, Scamp, Buck, or simply Mr. Akins—but no matter what you called him, you knew him as someone who lived with purpose, pride, and heart.

Roy received his education in the Oktibbeha County Public School District in Mississippi. As a young man, he made a selfless decision that reflected his deep sense of family and responsibility—he put his own plans on hold to care for his great-grandfather, who had fallen ill and moved into the family home. Roy stepped up without hesitation, allowing his mother to continue working while he provided care during the day. He remained a devoted caregiver until his great-grandfather’s passing, a role he carried out with quiet strength and compassion.

After this chapter of his life, Roy moved to Gary, Indiana, to join his brother Charles and pursue new opportunities. He began working at U.S. Steel’s Coke Plant, where he built a respected career that spanned 42 years until he retired. 

Roy and Sarah shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, building a life together in Gary, Indiana, where they raised their beloved family. Sarah lovingly and devotedly cared for Roy throughout their life together, remaining by his side until his final day. Roy was a loving, affectionate father and Papa—a man who wasn’t afraid to show his children how much he cared. He loved to share stories with the kids and grandkids about his roots in Mississippi, proudly calling himself a “Country Boy.” Those stories, filled with Southern charm, wisdom, and humor, became part of the family’s fabric.

At home, Roy was known for keeping his yard immaculate. Everyone in the neighborhood knew one rule: “Don’t step on their grass.” lol He took great pride in his home and saw it as an extension of the care he gave to everything and everyone he loved. His attention to detail, sense of pride, and nurturing nature could be felt in every corner of his life.

Music was another one of Roy’s great passions. Whether it was playing his favorite songs at home or sharing tunes with his children and grandchildren, music brought him joy—and he made sure it brought joy to those around him, too. That love of rhythm, soul, and sound lives on in his family today.

Roy was a cherished coach at Midtown Little League. He spent countless hours on and off the field shaping the lives of young men—not just as a coach, but as a role model, father figure, and friend. Roy believed in building more than players—he believed in building men. His legacy lives on in the countless young lives he touched, the lessons he passed down, and the community he helped strengthen through compassion, commitment, and love of the game.

Roy C. Akins will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Louise Akins; his grandparents, John and Nancy Williams-Carr, Frank Akins, and Canary McBee; his brothers, Jessie Akins and John David Akins; his sister, Mary Dell Akins-Brown; his sons, Dante Jones and Roy C. Akins Jr.; his mother-in-law, Geraldine (James) Creal; his father-in-law, J.C. (Dorsey Mae) Moore and his son-in-love, Ronnie Kelliehan;  his in-laws, Stanley Creal, Parker Creal, Jeffrey Creal and Dollie Moore.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 45 years, Sarah Akins; his son, DeAndra Akins (Kelli), all of Gary, IN; his daughters, Angela Tate (Marco) of Memphis, TN, and Nicole Kelliehan of Merrillville, IN; his brother, Charles Akins (Geneva) of Gary, IN; sisters, Kay Sykes (John – deceased) of Crawford, MS, and Helen Young (Jerry) of Jackson, MS; his in-laws, Winfred Jones, Jacqueline Jones, James Creal, Joyce Creal, Tony Creal, Starlynn McKee, Sandra Creal, Stacey (Rod) Coleman, Calvin (Niecey) Moore and 12 amazing grandchildren: Shaniqua, Kameisha, Roy, Keandre, Allen, Aniyah, Kenaja, Kimorah, Mason, Ronnie, Kamyra-Marie, and Robert.

He also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, his very good friend, George Morgan and his dog, Bentley.

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