Michael Akins

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mr. Michael James Akins, age 65 of Blairsville who passed away peacefully at his family home place on Saturday evening, August 9, 2014.

Mr. Akins was born in the Owltown area of Union County, Georgia on July 2, 1949 to the late Loy William & Rowena (Addington) Akins. He grew up on the family farm, bailing hay and hoeing corn. Mike left the farming life at the age of 16, and lived with his sister & brother-in-law, Betty Jean & Jerry Austin in Atlanta. There he met and married Nelle Scobee before volunteering to join the United States Army during Vietnam. Mike served with the 82nd Airborne in DaNang as a Helicopter Crew Chief Mechanic and Door Gunner. Shortly after the war, He and Nelle were blessed with 2 children. Later, he was married to Pat Davenport who treated his children as if they were her own. An ASE Certified Mechanic and a "wiz" with carburetors, he opened his own garage in Cartersville, Georgia where he put to use his Army training. In 1996, Mike closed his shop to take care of his parents and operate the family farm back in Blairsville raising beef cattle, bailing hay and growing the best tomatoes ever!

Mike was known for sitting on his front porch and sharing his wisdom; there wasn't a lot that he hadn't seen or done. His fun filled personality lead him to be liked by all. Gifted with extreme patience, which paid off while fishing and hunting in these mountains, lakes and rivers. Always enjoying those quiet country moments.

He will be remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: son, Michael Akins; daughter & son-in-law, Belinda & Tom Barker; and sisters, Frances Dickey & Betty Jean Austin. Also, sharing in his legacy are 5 grandchildren: Lexi, Nick, Trace, Zane and Cara. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Kenneth Akins.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Dyer officiating. Special Music will be performed by the John Nix, Bobby Chapman, Liz Garrett and Rhonda Mason. A Eulogy will be given by his sister, Betty Jean Austin. Interment will follow in Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Guard . The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Michael Akins, Ab Garrett, Dale Hamby, Johnny Hamby, Keith Lager, Jim Stone, Deyton Dyer & Adam Gaddis. Honorary Pallbearers will include Greg, Hoyt & Loy Hamby. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 until 9 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.