Francis Akins

Francis Donald Akins, 77, of Trenton died Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was born September 24, 1946, to Donald and Roselle Asbell Akins. He was a graduate of Chiefland High School and later received a degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida, where he was active in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Francis made his home in Bronson after marrying Margaret Brice in 1971. Francis began working early in life. As a young lad, he worked in a grocery store, stocking shelves and delivering groceries. Later, he drove the ambulance for the funeral home; a service which really dated him. He worked as a flagman in local road construction. He was inspired in the treasured ways of living by his grandfathers, Granddaddy Asbell and Mitchel Akins, (the first elected County Judge of Gilchrist County,) and his uncle, Judge Ellwyn Akins. The golden blond headed boy of the family, Francis was doted on by his mother and especially his only sister Harriett. Right after college, Francis went to work for Ralston Purina and moved up to work for Florida Rock Industries until he became a licensed general contractor, building residential homes, including log homes. He also worked with his father-in-law Buren Brice in the logging and forestry industries. With such a diverse background, he was encouraged to seek the office of Property Appraiser, where he served the citizens of Levy County for 20 years. Francis also served a term as President of the Property Appraisers’ Association of Florida. He loved his work and became well known throughout Levy County, getting to know the residents and the businesses as well. Francis was down to earth and had a whimsical sense of humor. He rather prided himself being a bit “old school.” Francis and Margaret had three children, all of whom graduated from Bronson High School, where the family was always active, primarily in athletics, marine biology and FFA. Their home became a favorite gathering place for many friends and cousins through the years. Francis was intuitive and gave many of them nicknames that still fondly remain quite appropriate! He was famous for late night fried egg sandwiches and found delight in helping Margaret decorate for every holiday, especially Halloween for Trick or Treaters and for Christmas, where they were the envy of the Griswolds. He loved Merle Haggard’s music and like Merle, Francis loved that “We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, and we like living right and being free.” After nearly 28 years of marriage, Margaret passed away and this family cherishes many good memories. Later, Francis enjoyed being a grandfather to four handsome and rambunctious boys and one beautiful girl. Francis was preceded in death by his wives Margaret Brice Akins and Sandy Ashley Akins and his sister, Harriett Read. He is survived by Suzanne (Sean Critelli) Bottoms, Emmitt Bottoms, Rebecca (Raymond) Hood, Frank (Kim Dean) Akins, grandchildren: Elliott and Maggie Bottoms, Jeremiah and Joshua Hood, Rhett Akins and a host of nieces and nephews. A casual celebration of Francis’ life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Pine Grove Baptist Church fellowship hall with light refreshments and fond sharing of memories. Burial will be private at a later date at Rosemary Cemetery in Bronson. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Levy County Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1386, Bronson, FL 32621 for a Bronson High School scholarship in memory of Francis Akins. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Chiefland 352-493-0050 and Cross City 352-498-5400. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com.

Francis Akins

September 24, 1946 - July 6, 2024