With hearts filled with love and gratitude for a well lived life, we celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Adkins, Jr., who peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, Virginia. Robert was born on November 27, 1941, in Cedar Grove of lower Northampton County, Virginia. He was the eldest son of the late Robert Adkins, Sr. and Helen Douglas Adkins Bell. During his early years, he was lovingly raised by his aunt, Irene Ames, who played a significant role in his upbringing. At a young age, Robert faithfully returned that love and devotion by serving as her caregiver.

He received his education through the Northampton County Public School System and was blessed with a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. Robert's journey took him from Virginia to Somerset and Jamesburg, New Jersey, where he worked in construction during his younger years. He was also known as a fisherman, mechanic, and self-proclaimed entrepreneur, approaching every task with determination, resourcefulness, and pride. On October 28, 1970, Robert was united in holy matrimony to Joann N. Adkins. They shared 48 years of marriage building a loving and resilience family.

Recognizing the goodness of God in his life, Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and joined First Baptist Church-Copeville on January 9, 2000. He was later baptized by his pastor, Rev. Kelvin Jones, and his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Jerome Lee, Jr. He remained grateful for God's many blessings in his life.

Robert was a well-known and respected pillar of the Bayview community and surrounding areas. To know him was to love him. He was affectionately known by many names, including Daddy, Chief, Cool Pops, Pops, Ole Dude, Pop Pop, and
Ironside. Family and friends knew him as a provider, protector, peacemaker, and trusted advisor. His quick wit, sense of humor, thoughtful nature, and unwavering love for family left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him.

Robert loved spending time with family, especially when his mother, siblings and loved ones gathered for fellowship and a good game of dominoes. He loved sitting beneath his favorite shade tree or relaxing while watching westerns on
television. In his younger years, he enjoyed fast cars and drag racing.

Music was another passion that brought him great joy. As a founding member of the A & J Club, he proudly served as the club's DJ and was known for his love of
rhythm and blues. Some favorites included Roy C, Clarence Carter, and BB King.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Adkins, Sr. and Helen Douglas Adkins Bell; his beloved wife, Joann N. Adkins; his granddaughter, Nia
Haqq; his siblings, Lilly Austin, David Douglas, Sr., Rufus Adkins, and Harry Adkins; and his special cousin, William "Dickie" Ames.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories and carry forward his legacy of love, faith, family, and perseverance: his children, Cynthia (Rev. Dr. Jerome) Lee, William C. Adkins, Robert (Rita) Weeks, David (Emma) Beach, Clarence (Francina) Weeks, Hassana Haqq, Majeeda Haqq, Thaky (Angela) Haqq, Rafael Wilkins, Tracy Jones, Valerie Nottingham, and Rochelle Custis; 24 grandchildren; 28 great-grand- children; his beloved siblings, Alma Adkins, Dr. Cary (Lois) Adkins, James (Sue) Douglas, Saundra Conquest, Kirk Simms, and Stephanie Davis; his cherished in-laws, Janie Harvey, Betty Johnson, Dorothy (Edward) Triplett, Randy (Jane) Nottingham, and Laverne Manley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Today, we rejoice in the blessing of having known and loved Robert. His laughter, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love for family will forever remain in our hearts. Though he has answered the Master's call and laid down the burdens of this life, his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23