Bill was born November 13, 1932 in Elkville, Illinois the son of I. Roy and Beulah (Hartmann) Adkins. Bill came to Evansville in 1943. He attended Culver Elementary School and Bosse High School, graduating in 1950. He joined the Evansville Courier in 1953 as a "Copy Boy" while a journalism student at Evansville College, now U of E, where he became interested in photography. Bill worked as a staff photographer for nearly 45 years. Over the years, Bill received many awards for his photography. He started his cartoonist career at an early age having his first published cartoon in 1948 in "The Young Reporter" Comic Book and was a cartoonist and artist for the newspaper as well. As a graduate of one of Evansville College's first ROTC classes, Bill was a Lieutenant and a pilot in the United States Air Force.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Terry Adkins.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann (Thompson) Adkins of Evansville, daughter, Carrie Ann (Adkins) Long (Stephen) of Ft. Wayne, IN, sons, Scott (Sandra) of St. Augustine, FL, Terry Allen (Angela) of Evansville and Todd (Tawn) of Chandler, IN, grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Adkins of New Orleans, LA, Benjamin Adkins of Tallahassee, FL, Jeffery Adkins of Henderson, KY, Jody and Christian Adkins of Chandler, IN, Melissa Adkins of Evansville and Natalie Simmons of Grove City, OH and four great grandchildren.
A special heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Merral Lewis and the nurses of Deaconess Home Hospice, his hospice nurses, Lori Reynolds and Lisa Moore, hospice volunteer, Herb Weyer and the Deaconess Hospice Care Center for their loving care.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 am, Monday, August 29, 2011 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel - 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville with Reverend Andy Fuller officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Friends may call from 2 pm until 8 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Deaconess Hospice Care Center, 600 Mary St., Evansville, IN 47747.
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net
August 26, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I knew Bill and his brother, Terry, quite well as a child and a young man. My brother, Jerry Carner, worked with Bill as a Courier photographer for several years. My sincere condolences to the family.
John Travis, Mount Vernon, Indiana
August 26, 2011
Bill was the first newspaper photographer I met when I interned at the Courier in 1960. He yelled at me for peeking into the darkroom. After that initial shock, I became a fan of his. He was one of the best street photographers ever in Evansville. He set a standard, and he will be forever remembered.
J Bruce Baumann, Mount Vernon
August 26, 2011
I had the great pleasure of working on the photo staff at the Evansville Courier with the great Bill(y) Atkins.
He was an inspiration not only as a photographer, but also as a person. It was wonderful to be around Bill because he cared so much about his work, his coworkers, and his community.
His creativity never faltered right up until the day he retired.
And it should be noted he was always prepared to share his tic tacs with anyone in need of a mint.
I miss you, Bill.
Gone, but not forgotten.
Jim Merithew, San Francisco, CA
August 26, 2011
I'm so sorry for the loss of Uncle Bill. We are praying for all of you.
Sarah Townsend, Murray KY
August 27, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was just a great guy. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Mike McKinney, Evansville
August 27, 2011
Dear Ann, You have our deepest sympathy. You have been so caring and loving during his illness. Take care of yourself.
Betty & Jim Alvey
August 27, 2011
Bill was a rock of the Courier family all the time I worked there. As a photographer, he was first-rate, innovative and talented. As a person, he was warm, funny, caring and one of the most popular on the staff. Everyone liked and respected him. My condolences to Ann and family, as well as, all those who will miss him as I will.
Bill Jackson, Evansville, Indiana
August 27, 2011
Bill was a gifted news photographer. And a joy to work with.
Byron Rohrig (Evansville, IN)
August 27, 2011
I was a young reporter who worked with Bill on several stories. He was always so helpful. With his immense talent, he always worried about getting the right image to capture the story. Of all people, Bill should not have worried whatsoever.
In the family room of my home is the cover of the Courier's now-defunct Family section. My wife and my then-infant son are pictured with me to promote an article about being a new parent. Bill took the cover photo -- remember like it was yesterday. My baby is now almost 18.
Thanks for making so many memories for people, Bill. You were such a pro -- in more ways than one!
Jim Beck, Evansville, Indiana
August 27, 2011
Bill will always have a special place in my heart. As his nurse we shared some moments that could never be repeated by anyone other than us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and kids. Who will also hold a special place in my heart. Ann was the best caregiver a husband could ask for. God Bless you all.
Lori Reynolds, LPN, Evansville, Indiana
August 27, 2011
As a young aspiring and ambitious photographer, I looked up to Bill as someone I wanted to be like...he was always cheerful, smiling and ready to share his knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Mel Lukens, Warrenton, Virginia
August 27, 2011
My heart goes out to Bill's family. I will always remember his amazing talents, his love of music, and his whacky sense of humor. May he now be at rest in God.
Susan van Hoek, St. Augustine, Florida
August 27, 2011
Todd, I wanted to express my sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dad. Our prayers are with you. I enjoyed getting to know you as we served the Lord in After the Fall.
Tom, Dinah, Tom Jr., and Madolyn MaVeety
August 29, 2011
To Ann and all the Adkins family, our family offers our condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill, Debbi and Emma Seits ~ Bill Seits, Boone Funeral Home Family Services
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