Edward Harold Akins

Services for Edward Harold Akins, 88, of Fruitvale, are scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Round Flat Pentecostal Church, with Bro. Homer Morgan & Bro. Eddie Paul Stanley officiating.

Interment will follow in Smyrna Cemetery, Emory, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

Mr. Akins passed away June 9, 2026, in Grand Saline. He was born May 10, 1938, in Rains County, to William Luther and Birdie Mae Monk Akins. Edward married Barbara Dawson on November 22, 1958.

He served in the U.S. Army with the 29th Armored Division during the Korean Conflict from 1958 to 1960. After his military service, Edward lived in Pleasant Grove and worked for Asbestos Local 21 in Dallas, where he spent 30 years as a mechanical insulator before retiring.

In 1970, Edward moved his family to Fruitvale and became part-owner of W.E. Brothers Construction alongside his brother, W.L. Akins. He later worked for Arrow Insulation for eight years before retiring again in 2005.

Edward was a member of Round Flat Pentecostal Church and was known for his love of fishing and hunting.

Mr. Akins was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 48 years, Barbara Akins; four brothers, Raymond Akins, William Akins, Delbert Akins, and W.L. Akins; sister, Dorothy Latham; and grandson, Johnny Lewellen.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Lois Carver of Fruitvale; two sons, Eddie Akins and wife Kim of Fruitvale, and Michael Akins and wife Debbi of Grand Saline; daughter, Kim Adams and husband Jason of Canton; sister, Helen Craine of Pleasant Grove; fourteen grandchildren, Rena, Misty, Megan (Nicky), Charlie, Eric (Candice), Cody, Ashley (Michael), Brittany (Mason), Justin, Jeremy, Lucas, Heather (Brendon), Kaitlin (Chad), and Kassie; twenty-one great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Gerald, Persephone, Parker, Owen, Kenley, Raelyn, Kaden, Tanner, Trever, Rylee, Tukker, Tuff, Ryken, Luke, Royce, Brinley, Cooper, Carter, Paxton, and Grady; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Justin Jones, Jeremy Jones, Lucas Adams, Cody Akins, Jamie Wood, and Eric Baker.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.