Renford Norman Akins of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Glennville, died Saturday, May 27, 2006, at the Veterans Hospital in Tampa. The Glennville native was born August 26, 1921, to Norman Akins and Nancy Akins Bradham. He served proudly during World War II in the Marine Corps where he was sent to the Pacific Theater in 1944. Upon discharge, he returned to Glennville, and, from there, he resettled his family in South Florida, working in the security system industry for many years. After retirement, he moved back to Glennville and lived in the home that he and his family helped to build. After many years of retirement in Glennville, his health made it necessary for him to sell the home in Glennville and settle in Lakeland, Florida, to be close to the family. He was an avid gardener and loved to grow fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends. He truly had a green thumb. He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lakeland, and was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Bradham.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie Baker Akins of Lakeland, Florida; children: James R. Akins (Angie) of Lakeland, Florida; Norman Akins and Virginia Voss (Roy) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Linda Cochenouer (Bobby) of Pembroke Pine, Florida; and Geraldine Mitchell (George) of Ft. Myers, Florida; two brothers, Martin Akins (Medra) of Travernier, Florida, and Joe Bradham (Marylou) of Panama City, Florida; a sister, Vanera Daniels (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Cobb Funeral Home in Glennville.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Cobb Funeral Home, Glennville chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Knight officiating. Burial will be in Glennville City Cemetery.

Cobb Funeral Home of Glennville, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements.