It is with great sadness the family of Dallas Glenn Adkins confirms his passing from mortality into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He celebrated his 93rd birthday in June and was looking forward to many more. He never had a bad day as he liked to tell anyone who asked. Dallas will forever be remembered for his positive attitude and cheery disposition. Every day was a good day for Dallas.
Dallas was born “up in the country” on the family farm of his grandparents in Branchland, Lincoln County, West Virginia to Anna Mae and Luther Adkins. He attended primary school in Hamlin and graduated in the Class of ’48 from Huntington (WV) High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served from August 1948 – June 1952. Dallas circled the globe during his military service, passing through both the Panama and Suez Canals. He was privileged to have served on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri, which was the site of the unconditional Japanese surrender of World War II in 1945. Dallas transferred to the U.S.S. Worcester after the U.S.S. Missouri ran aground on the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay in January 1950. He finished his tour of duty on the U.S.S. Worcester and was discharged at San Diego, CA as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class. He was awarded the Navy Occupation Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Medal. He stayed in touch with shipmates through the U.S.S. Missouri Association, Inc.
Dallas returned home to Huntington where he met and married Ruth Ward of Proctorville, OH. For several years, they owned and operated a small grocery store in Proctorville. In January 1962, they welcomed a son, Frederick Kimble. Dallas found his true calling as a salesman and delivery driver for Frito-Lay in the Tri-State area. He loved meeting new friends every day. He transferred with Frito-Lay to central Florida in the early 1980’s and retired with 30 years of service. He maintained membership in the Egypt Shriners and enjoyed thrilling children at parades as he zipped around in his “Tin Lizzie.” He lived independently in Port Richey, FL until June 2021 when he moved to the Masonic Home of FL in St. Petersburg. He was well taken care of by an exceptional staff of caregivers. He passed peacefully in his sleep without a care in the world.
He leaves behind an extended family who will miss his warm smile, comforting hug, and lively conversations. He is survived by his son, Fred Adkins of Proctorville, OH; brother, Richard Clay (Jocelyne) of Crystal River, FL; cousin, Marge Petersen (Marty) of Milford, OH; and three generations of adoring nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Norma Jean Borger (Russ) of Spring Hill, FL; special uncle and aunt, Claude Adkins (Betty) of Milford, OH; devoted aunt, Nettie Adkins of Huntington, WV; and generations of family who welcomed him at Heaven’s Gate.
In keeping with Dallas’s wishes, he will be interred with military honors at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102 Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 on December 29, 2023 at 2:30pm. Please arrive by 2:15pm.
The family wishes to thank Dobies Funeral Home of Hudson, FL for their excellent care of Dallas and outstanding services provided to the family during this difficult time.
Diane Sasser, Savannah GA
October 12, 2023, 5:51 pm
My dear Uncle Dallas has been a significant presence for most of my life. He always had a hug whether to comfort or just to greet. Although he had difficult days, he’d never admit it and would tell me everything was “just fine.” I have so many personal, special memories that will only become more endearing as the years pass. Forever in my heart.
Ashley Treadway
October 12, 2023, 7:42 pm
I had the pleasure of knowing Dallas at the Masonic Home of Florida. As the obituary says, Dallas never had a bad day in his life and loved meeting new people. He became our unofficial greeter in the front lobby to everyone that came in (as he would call it, “sitting there like a bump on a pickle!”). It was such a joy knowing him for the few years he lived here; getting to sit and chat with him, take him for coffee trips, have him make funny faces at me in senior fitness class, dress up for themed photoshoots, and convincing him to try wacky new activities with me!
Dallas, you will always have a place in my heart.