Minister Billy Akins was born October 29,1950, to Jimmy Dorsey Akins and Alice Louise Cantue in Monroe, LA but grew into manhood with his brother Bobby in Beaufort, SC where his family settled. As a child he enjoyed playing baseball and playing the trumpet and french horn in the school bands. Minister Billy Akins graduated from Robert Smalls High School before continuing on to Grambling State University.

While earning his B.S. in Biology at Grambling, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC. Upon completion of his degree, Minister Billy Akins became a USAF officer on October 7,1973. He served with distinction, receiving awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and Air Force Longevity. After a 20-year career including nine years as a T-38 and KC-135 pilot, Minister Billy Akins retired as a Major on October 31,1993. As a second act, he influenced young lives as a middle school math and science teacher, bringing a passion for learning and exploration to his students for over 20 years.

Minister Billy Akins was a man of great faith. As a father, he enjoyed gathering his daughters to read through the Proverbs or discuss Bible stories. Throughout his years of military service, he was an active member of Chapel. He served as a deacon while stationed at Wurtsmith A.F.B., at First Baptist Church Denbigh in Newport News, Virginia, and at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church in Littleton, NC, where he was ordained as a minister in 2019. Minister Billy Akins joined Zion Chapel Ministries in January 2022, where he served as a Bible Study educator and Minister teaching and delivering sermons. In his last years, some of his greatest joy was found in studying to prepare sermons and teaching Bible School.

Minister Billy Akins was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Dorsey Akins, brother, Bobby Akins and stepdaughter Annette Cowell. Minister Billy Akins is survived by his mother, Alice Akins, his wife, Sarah Akins, his daughters, Joy Rivers (Gary), Alicia Akins, and Kara Akins, his grandchildren Titus Rivers, Kendrick Rivers and Calaya Rivers, his stepsons Lester Suydan, Ricky Suydan, his step son-in-law Edward Cowell (Annette), his step grandchildren Latrece Cowell, Christopher Cowell, Ariel Suydan, Jalen Suydan, Noah Suydan, Giselle Suydan, and step great grandchildren Zion Cowell-Johnson, Ivory Garrett and Ja’nae Suydan. Flowers maybe be sent to 947 Long Beeches Ave Chesapeake, VA 23320.