Colonel William E. Adkinson (Bill), 83 of Panama City Beach, Fla., who passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 26, 2014 after a period of family health problems.
As one of his nephews said, You could always count on his word and he always thought of others first. In both thought and deed,
Colonel Adkins lived his life characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment to his family, career and country.
Born on Oct. 29, 1930 in Anniston, Ala., to the late Dwight Adkinson and Nell.
He attended the University of Alabama and contributed his success to having placed Alabama football under the leadership of coach "Bear" Bryant.
Colonel Adkinson was proud to wear the first Alabama Nation Championship rings of 1961.
Out of college, he played NFL football with the Baltimore Colts until 1967.
Colonel Adkinson then went on to serve his country with a full military career. He was a Vietnam Veteran and received numerous military decorations including the Soldier Medal of Valor, two bronze stars and the Meritorious Service Metal. He retired as Colonel US Army in 1986.
He was an emeritus member of the Harry Jackson Mason Lodge # 314, charter founder members of the Panama City Red Elephant Club and special Deputy with the Bay County Sheriffs Department.
With his need to stay busy, he was an active volunteer with the Bay County School Football programs at Bay, Rutherford and Arnold High Schools.
He often said that football "opened a lot of doors for me in my life and this gives me a chance to give back."
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one step-brother.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Charlotte Adkinson, brother -in- law Don Tompkins and wife, Sara.
He also leaves to cherish his memory several nephews and nieces.
Memorolization will be through cremation with a private family memorial service to be held at Ft. Benning Georgia at a later date.
As one of his nephews said, You could always count on his word and he always thought of others first. In both thought and deed,
Colonel Adkins lived his life characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment to his family, career and country.
Born on Oct. 29, 1930 in Anniston, Ala., to the late Dwight Adkinson and Nell.
He attended the University of Alabama and contributed his success to having placed Alabama football under the leadership of coach "Bear" Bryant.
Colonel Adkinson was proud to wear the first Alabama Nation Championship rings of 1961.
Out of college, he played NFL football with the Baltimore Colts until 1967.
Colonel Adkinson then went on to serve his country with a full military career. He was a Vietnam Veteran and received numerous military decorations including the Soldier Medal of Valor, two bronze stars and the Meritorious Service Metal. He retired as Colonel US Army in 1986.
He was an emeritus member of the Harry Jackson Mason Lodge # 314, charter founder members of the Panama City Red Elephant Club and special Deputy with the Bay County Sheriffs Department.
With his need to stay busy, he was an active volunteer with the Bay County School Football programs at Bay, Rutherford and Arnold High Schools.
He often said that football "opened a lot of doors for me in my life and this gives me a chance to give back."
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one step-brother.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Charlotte Adkinson, brother -in- law Don Tompkins and wife, Sara.
He also leaves to cherish his memory several nephews and nieces.
Memorolization will be through cremation with a private family memorial service to be held at Ft. Benning Georgia at a later date.
Colonel William E. Adkinson (Bill), 83 of Panama City Beach, Fla., who passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 26, 2014 after a period of family health problems.
As one of his nephews said, You could always count on his word and he always thought of others first. In both thought and deed,
Colonel Adkins lived his life characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment to his family, career and country.
Born on Oct. 29, 1930 in Anniston, Ala., to the late Dwight Adkinson and Nell.
He attended the University of Alabama and contributed his success to having placed Alabama football under the leadership of coach "Bear" Bryant.
Colonel Adkinson was proud to wear the first Alabama Nation Championship rings of 1961.
Out of college, he played NFL football with the Baltimore Colts until 1967.
Colonel Adkinson then went on to serve his country with a full military career. He was a Vietnam Veteran and received numerous military decorations including the Soldier Medal of Valor, two bronze stars and the Meritorious Service Metal. He retired as Colonel US Army in 1986.
He was an emeritus member of the Harry Jackson Mason Lodge # 314, charter founder members of the Panama City Red Elephant Club and special Deputy with the Bay County Sheriffs Department.
With his need to stay busy, he was an active volunteer with the Bay County School Football programs at Bay, Rutherford and Arnold High Schools.
He often said that football "opened a lot of doors for me in my life and this gives me a chance to give back."
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one step-brother.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Charlotte Adkinson, brother -in- law Don Tompkins and wife, Sara.
He also leaves to cherish his memory several nephews and nieces.
Memorolization will be through cremation with a private family memorial service to be held at Ft. Benning Georgia at a later date.
As one of his nephews said, You could always count on his word and he always thought of others first. In both thought and deed,
Colonel Adkins lived his life characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment to his family, career and country.
Born on Oct. 29, 1930 in Anniston, Ala., to the late Dwight Adkinson and Nell.
He attended the University of Alabama and contributed his success to having placed Alabama football under the leadership of coach "Bear" Bryant.
Colonel Adkinson was proud to wear the first Alabama Nation Championship rings of 1961.
Out of college, he played NFL football with the Baltimore Colts until 1967.
Colonel Adkinson then went on to serve his country with a full military career. He was a Vietnam Veteran and received numerous military decorations including the Soldier Medal of Valor, two bronze stars and the Meritorious Service Metal. He retired as Colonel US Army in 1986.
He was an emeritus member of the Harry Jackson Mason Lodge # 314, charter founder members of the Panama City Red Elephant Club and special Deputy with the Bay County Sheriffs Department.
With his need to stay busy, he was an active volunteer with the Bay County School Football programs at Bay, Rutherford and Arnold High Schools.
He often said that football "opened a lot of doors for me in my life and this gives me a chance to give back."
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one step-brother.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Charlotte Adkinson, brother -in- law Don Tompkins and wife, Sara.
He also leaves to cherish his memory several nephews and nieces.
Memorolization will be through cremation with a private family memorial service to be held at Ft. Benning Georgia at a later date.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
