Russell Radford Akers

Russell Radford Akers 79, of Pliny, WV left his Earthly Home and walked into his Heavenly Home on Sunday November 5, 2023 after a courageous 4 year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Russell was born November 4, 1944 in Cabin Creek, WV to the late Paskel Ward and Jocelyn Harlin Akers, a coal miners son with Irish Red hair and blue eyes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded death by his siblings: Ward “June”, Dewey and Steve Akers, Francis Gallehugh, Sherry Cooper and Shelly Kay Adkins. Russell is a 1962 graduate of Hannan High School and upon graduation he left home to find work in Columbus, Ohio. His first job was a dishwasher at Jerry’s Drive Inn on High Street, then worked 12 years at Westinghouse Corp. as a machinist and Union Steward. In 1975 he moved the family to WV and worked various jobs until 1977, when he took the position of tank cleaner for Union Carbide and Chemical Tanklines in Institute, WV. He then retired to his farm at the age of 68 after building houses with Ferguson Brothers Construction for 20 years. Russell had many talents and hobbies that included driving race cars, bowling, an avid hunter, gardner, watching WVU, NASCAR, driving his John Deere Tractor, and his F-150. He considered Ford Motor Co. the only auto maker. He was a family man and his greatest joy was loving his grandchildren and their visits. A handyman, Mr. Fixit, a good neighbor could always be counted on. His greatest decision came in 1974 when he accepted Jesus in his Heart and was baptized on a cold snowy October day in Delaware, Ohio. He attended church at Eastside Mission and after moving to WV, he and the family became members and still attend 5 & 20 United Baptist Church in Fraziers Bottom, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee. When the cancer diagnosis came in 2019 he said “I’m a Winner either way, if I go or if I stay!“; his faith in God NEVER wavered. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years: Alice Faye; daughter: Angie (Johnny) Hodges; Sons: Rusty (Ronda) Akers and Chad (Melissa Milam) Akers; eight grandchildren: Allison (Cam) Clendenin, Ashley (Chad) Humphrey, JohnJohn (Lasaia) Hodges, Russ (Madison) Akers, Elijah, Gabriel and Ella Akers and Emma Hearn; five great grandchildren: Caroline and Jude Clendenin, Drake and Brady Humphrey and Russell Radford IV, as well as one coming in May 2024. Russell’s Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Saturday November 11, 2023 at Mount Union Church Fraziers Bottom, WV with Rev. Donnie Akers and Rev. Jim Perry officiating. Burial will follow in Bowcott Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 6:00pm until 8:00 pm Friday November 10, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV. The family would like to thank special friend, David Wears, whom he loved as a son, the nurses at Edwards Cancer Center, Melissa a.k.a. Miss Kentucky and Miranda and Alex, in Adult Infusion, and Dr.’s Jamil, Scott Mitchell and James Akins for all their care. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Russell’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane WV 25526 is honored to serve the Akers family again.

Russell Radford Akers

November 4, 1944 - November 5, 2023