Ray Clinton Adkins

Amory –Ray Clinton Adkins, 79, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at NMMC, Tupelo. Born on January 21, 1938, in French Camp, MS, he was a son of the late Alton B. and Jettie Mae Wilson Adkins.

Ray went to school in French Camp, MS. On June 5, 1967, he married the love-of-his-life, Juanita Deloris Allen. Together, they were blessed with children and long happy life together. Ray was of the Baptist faith and the most important thing in his life was his family. He enjoyed visiting with people and spending cherished precious time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grands. A friendly man, he always had a smile on his face for all he met and he never met a stranger. Despite all the challenges that faced him in his life, he always put others before himself.

A dedicated worker, Ray worked many places for and with the public during his lifetime. He was a former member of the US Army National Guard. He owned and operated Hatley Body Shop for several years and he helped start the Hatley Volunteer Fire Department. He worked as a Hatley Police Officer, a Monroe County Sherriff Deputy, and lastly he served as the Monroe County District 1 Constable for 22 years. In addition to this, he was a private contractor who operated heavy equipment in which he served hundreds of families by digging the final resting places for their loved ones.

Ray was passionate about Le Bonheur Hospital and the children it served. One who lived life to the fullest, Ray was loving and caring to everyone he met. Ray liked to piddle on his tractors in his free time and listening to Gospel and Old Country Music. He also enjoyed fishing and family reunions. A man who touched many lives, Ray will be missed dearly by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita; daughters, Sandi Smith, Hatley, Tony Westbrook (Wendell), Westville; grandchildren, Ray, C.W., and Jody Smith; many more grandchildren; great-grandchildren, J.R., Savannah, and Lexie Smith; great-great-grandchild, Jackson Rae; sisters, Elizabeth, Elenor, Sue, Genelle, and Maddie Lou; brother, Thomas Adkins; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Adkins; son, Ronnie Adkins; sisters, Geneva and Minnie Mae; brothers, J.B., Terrell, and Maxey Adkins.

His Funeral Service will be at 1 PM, Tuesday, February 14 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Crook officiating. Burial will follow in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Hunt, Jay Criddle, Dutch Vaughn, Joey Miller, Gene Kearce, and Robert Pickle. Honorary Pallbearers are Leslie Spann, Jim Conaway, Amory Police Department Staff, E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Staff, Hatley Volunteer Fire Dept. and Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Staff.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Monday at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory.