John Parrish "Johnny" Akins, age 72, died at his residence in Tifton, Ga. on June 30, 2016.

He was born in Nashville, Ga. on March 7, 1944. He grew up in the New Lois Community where he was a member of Community United Methodist Church. He graduated with honors from Berrien High School in 1962 where he was class president, star fullback for the Rebels and record holder for the 440-relay track team. He also served as State 4-H President in 1962. He attended Emory University where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity and graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1966 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force serving as a pilot for C-130's with two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded for successful completion of special missions operations in Asia. Johnny loved music, reading, writing and exercise. He had a brilliant mind and said of "flying", "when I fly I am playing among the clouds". He was preceded in death by his parents, John Terrell "Pete" Akins and Dorothy Parrish Akins.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Chuck) Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas and son, John Parrish (Kelly) Akins ,Jr. of Mountain View, Arkansas and grandchildren Anna Caroline, Akin, Asa and Asher Johnson and Ellie, Emma, Erin & Eli Akins; siblings Dr. Derene Akins of Memphis, Tennessee, Philip & Brion Akins of Nashville, Joy Akins Dowdy of Cordele & Amanda Akins Daniel of Athens; many nieces , nephews, cousins and 1 aunt, Lucy Parrish Akins of Nashville.

Funeral services were held at Community United Methodist Church in Nashville, Georgia on July 10 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Don Bridges and Garth Webb, Jr. officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Cemetery with military honors. Lovein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.