J. Kelly Akers, 85, of Pulaski, VA, formerly of Hampton, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2022, in Roanoke, VA. He was born on February 28, 1937, in Cambria, VA, what is now Christiansburg, VA, to the late Blaine and Carlene Clark Akers. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Newport News, VA to find work and became employed at that time by the Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Aliceon Akers; sisters, Betty Linkous, Dorothy Ford (Ken), Janet Cundiff, Barbara Sue Crockett (Dickie), Tootsie Akers; and a brother, Hampton Akers (Lucille).
He is survived by his daughter, Stacey Gordon (Mike) who never missed a day to speak to her daddy on the phone and was always there for him at every possible moment she could be; son, Michael Akers (Mandy); grandchildren, Ayanna Bray (Ryan), Michala Akers, Daris Akers, Kellynn Akers; one great-grandson; Matthias Kelly Akers; mother of his children whom he remained great friends with, Connie Laker; brothers, J.D. Akers (Jan), and George Akers.
The family wishes to thank the Staff at the Virginia Veteran’s Care Center especially, Veda Ramey who was a rock to Stacey throughout the care provided to Mr. Akers and the family could not have gone through this journey without her.
In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated and will eventually make his way back to Draper Mountain.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Virginia Veteran’s Care Center: virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org/donation/
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.