James Willard Adkins

James Willard Adkins, 86, of Snow Hill, died Friday, November 11, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, accomplishing both of his goals he set of surviving the election and making it to Veteran’s Day, as he served his country well. He was born October 3, 1930 in Cokesbury, a son of the late John James Adkins and Lily Carter Adkins. In his younger days James worked for Paul Jones’ Dairy Farm and Adkins Family Farm after school. He graduated from Snow Hill High School with the class of 1949 then drove a truck for several years before proudly serving his country in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. After his honorable discharge he went to work for the State Highway Administration, and worked his way up from mechanic to shop foreman to safety inspector. At the time of his retirement he served as the Equipment and Safety Supervisor for Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester counties. He retired in 1992 after 34 years of service. He was a long time, active member of the American Legion Post #67 in Snow Hill and Whatcoat United Methodist Church. James loved the outdoors and trap shooting, fishing, gardening, building and NASCAR were his favorite past times. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR with his brother Norman and neighbor, Glen Linton. He is survived by daughters, Hope Carmean and husband, Steve and Faith Coleman and husband, John; grandchildren, Jimmy Carmean (Andrea), Michael Carmean (Michelle), Aaron Carmean (Jessica), April Mariner (Mike), John Philip Coleman (fiance, Alicia), Benjamin Coleman and Joshua Coleman; five great grandchildren and one on the way; his beloved dog, “Daisey;” a brother, Norman; sisters, Polly, Laura, Esther (Sammy), Carolyn (Ron) and Aline; sisters-in-law, Lura and Frances; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marian L. Hall Adkins, to whom he was married to for 56 years; infant daughter, Wendy Lee Adkins; brothers, Lloyd and John; sister, Ruth; brothers-in-law, Paul, Ed and Ronald; and a sister-in-law, Shirley. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, where family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Andy Frick will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow the services at Bates Memorial Cemetery in Snow Hill. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or to the Jr. Marine Corps ROTC Scholarship Fund, c/o American Legion Post #67, P.O. Box 161, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com .

James Willard Adkins

October 3, 1930 - November 11, 2016