Gary Philip "Phil" Adkins

Gary Philip "Phil" Adkins, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston WV. He was born on Sunday December 31, 1944 a son of the late Griffith and Oneida Hilbert Adkins. He was preceded in death by two young siblings whom he never knew, his first wife Geraldine "Gerry" May Pridemore, his sister Kitty Adkins Erskine, the mother of, Michael Erskine (Trisha) who has two sons, James Michael and Justin of Nashville, TN. Gary "Phil" was proud of his family heritage whose Patriarch was Millard Fillmore Adkins, Lincoln Co. Gary was a musically gifted writer of country and gospel song lyrics. He published 11 of his own CD's with his producer, Phil Coley of Bowden, GA., his latest being "Leaving Nashville Behind". He wrote the song at a Rick Huckabee concert on his business cards during intermission. As a youth he looked up to Chuck Yeager who lived in the cold winter months of Lincoln County at his Granddad's farm while Chuck attended Hamlin High School. Gary lettered in all sports at Hamlin High School. He was in the top 5 of his graduating class in 1962. Gary excelled in everything he set his heart to do. His long time best friend, Coach Don Luca, with whom he went to Marshall University has proven to be a very special person in Gary's life. Gary wrote "We Are Marshall", which was played over many local airwaves at the time of The MU movie. Many of his songs are still being played in Australia today. His school teacher mother was a political figure in the WV Democrat Party, having served in several capacities. He fondly said that the "d" in Adkins stood for Democrat. Oneida, wrote many guest columns in several West Virginia newspapers. Like his mother, Gary was an educator who retired after 24 years serving as a teacher, principal, coach and guidance counselor at Putnam County Vo-Tech Center in Eleanor, WV. After retirement, he was a substitute teacher in Putnam, Mason, Lincoln and Cabell counties for 7 years. He will be sadly missed by many friends, especially those of the Graduating Class of '62 Hamlin High School and his church families. He worked tirelessly before every reunion to make it a great time for all. He was devoted to his classmates who had their 50th Reunion in 2012. Bottom line, he invested his life in others. He was a fervent believer in the Church of Christ, attended Main Street Church of Christ, Hurricane and Milton Church of Christ. Surviving his memory with a late in life relationship blossomed with his wife, Joyce Adkins, bonus family, Steve Connolly and his wife Ashley and their children Patrick, Brendan, Finn and Evelyn. A Celebration of Gary's well lived life will be held 1:00pm Saturday at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane with Minister Gary Topping officiating. Burial will follow in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane. Visitation will be from 11:00am until 1:00pm Saturday November 24, 2018 at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, Gary's wishes were that memorial donations be made in his name to, In Search of the Lords Way, PO Box 371 Edmond OK 73083, a ministry of the Churches of Christ. You may share memories of Gary by visiting his tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com Chapman Funeral Home family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Adkins family.