William "Dick" McKinley Adkins, Sr. was born on March 22, 1956, in Charles City, Virginia, to the late Cornelius E. Adkins Jr. and Jane Juanita Christian Adkins. On August 15, 2025, at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital in Conyers, Georgia, he was called home to be with the Lord.

Dick was preceded in death by his siblings: Roger Adkins, Cornelius Adkins III, Garry Adkins, Leon Adkins, Jane Juanita Adkins, and Carolyn Adkins Lewis.

He attended Charles City Public Schools and, at an early age, was baptized and became a member of New Vine Baptist Church. At 19, Dick began his work career at Newport News Shipyard, where he dedicated 43 years of faithful service before retiring due to health.

In his spare time, Dick enjoyed watching his favorite shows—In the Heat of the Night and countless Westerns, with Rifleman being his all-time favorite. From morning until late evening, the television was often his companion. He also had a special passion for classic cars. More than anything, Dick loved his family deeply, often giving each loved one a nickname that only he could bestow. Those special names—and the love behind them—will forever remain cherished.

William "Dick" McKinley Adkins Sr. will always be remembered for the love, kindness, and joy he brought into the lives of those who knew him. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

He leaves to celebrate his memory: his devoted son, William Adkins Jr., and daughter-in-law, Lameka Adkins; his stepsons, Antoine Tabb and Thomas Tabb; his beloved sisters, Gloria Williams, Judy Adkins, and Mautene Adkins, who held a special place in his heart. He was a proud grandfather to Breone Adkins, Dareon Adkins, and Jade Jones, and a loving great-grandfather to Bredan Adkins, who brought him immense joy. Also cherishing his memory are his brothers-in-law, William "Butch" Lewis and Leroy "Duke" Williams; his sister-in-law, Fara A. Campbell; granddaughter-in-law, Danielle Adkins; and his aunts, Mary Adkins, Sarah Christian, and Emma Cotman. Dick's life will be forever remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Among those especially close to him are Darlene Arredondo, Kermit and Francine Pinker, Robert "Bucky" Bradby, and Joanne Crockett.