A come-and-go Celebration of Life for Dennis Ray Akins, 79, of Chickasha, will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Ferguson Funeral Home. It will be a time to gather, give honor and share memories of Dennis with the family.
Dennis Ray Akins was born September 22, 1944 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Raymond Ray Akins and Lena Bernece (Whitfield) Akins. He passed from this life on January 7, 2024 in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Dennis grew up in Chickasha. Over the years he worked at many body shops, including his personal shop behind his house and for more than 60 years, he restored hotrods and classic cars. He painted his first car at 16 years old. He also loved motorcycles and air planes. He was certified with the following, CAT mechanic, Cumins, Eaton-Fuller, Ford mechanic, and E-One. Even after retirement, dealers and shops continued to call on him to diagnose issues. He sat in his porch swing by the shop answering questions for many years.
On June 12, 1963, he married Le Ann Janet Soulier in Randlett, Texas and they shared 60 years together.
Dennis owned many hotrods, motorcycles and planes and had his pilot’s license. He also liked to own Jeeps and spent many summers in Creede, Colorado exploring Jeep trails with his aunts, uncles, cousins, wife and kids. He was an avid collector of pocket knives and guns. He spent lots of time spoiling the five grandchildren with 4-Wheelers, trampoline, pocket bikes, scooters, pools and any other thing he could come up with.
He was preceded in death by both parents Raymond and Bernece Akins, and his grandparents and great-grandparents from both sides, the Akins and Whitfield families.
Loved ones left to remember him are his wife LeAnn of the home; son and daughter-in-law Eric and Cindy Akins of Chickasha; daughter Renee Miller of Chickasha; grandchildren Tommy Brown and wife Summer, Chance Akins, Carson Akins and fiancée Jaylee, Abigail Williams and husband Corey, and Danielle Mitchell; five great-grandchildren; and other extended family and friends.
The Celebration of Life and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.