RUSSELLVILLE — Thomas Roy Akin,
age 67 of Russellville passed away peacefully Friday, December 4, 2020 in Fayetteville surrounded by his family’s love. He was born March 13, 1953 in Monticello, Ark., to Earl Akin and Verna McHan Conway.
Thomas led a full life as a successful business owner, loving husband, and amazing dad. However, over the last 11 years, his life was filled with his overwhelming love and pride in his granddaughters Lauren and Madeline. His girls were his world – and he was great at being a “girl” Dad and Grandad. Thomas was blessed and he believed it was important to not only share his knowledge, friendship, and love with others but to also give back to the community. Thomas was an avid golfer and loved getting to play with his granddaughters, he and Lauren played their first tournaments together this last summer.
Thomas has owned and run chicken catching operations for 35 years. It was a business he was very good at and was just one of many successful business’ he had over his life. He was also a proud business partner, and member of the Chambers Bank Board for almost 40 years Johnny was a dear friend and the Chambers family were all special to him. Thomas was also happy to be appointed by his friend Gov. Mike Beebe to serve on the Arkansas Racing Commission. Thomas served his community in many other ways over his lifetime and left a tremendous legacy. He was a member of the Russellville First United Methodist Church. Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Earl Akin, by his father-in-law J.R. Liles and by a special uncle Joe Akin.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years Karen Liles Akin; one daughter, Kendra Akin Jones (Ben); two granddaughters, Lauren Jones and Madeline Jones; his mother Verna Conway (Reg) one sister, Diane Phelps (Donald Sikes); two brothers, Randy Akin and Raymond Akin; mother-inlaw, Della Liles; brother-in-law, Rob Liles (Cathy); Corey Liles; one aunt, Barbara Akin; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who loved him.
Graveside funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers Arkansas with Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 1-8 p.m., at Cornwell Funeral Home Chapel in Dardanelle, Ark. Family will be present from 4-6 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Joey Akin, Kenny Akin, Corey Liles, Ben Jones, Tommy Papasan and Bruce Sikes.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Chambers, Chambers Bank Board Members, Max Sherry, Bob Taylor, Bill Smith, Bill Lawrence, Freddie Rood, Mark Myers, David Rollans, Harold Pledger, Larry Baxter, Greg Jordan, Kenneth Knight and the Wayne Farms Family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 108 East Sunbridge, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, 1400 West Markham Street, Suite 304, Little Rock, Ark., 72201 or to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72201.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.