Raymond Akins

Raymond W. Akins, 75, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2012, after a hard-fought battle with rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimers.Mr. Akins was a native of Chattanooga and had moved to Florida for a few years before returning to the Chattanooga area four years ago. He was a member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church where he belonged to the Pioneer Sunday School Class.Mr. Akins earned his associates degree in mechanical engineering from Chattanooga State and graduated from UTC with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. He was previously employed at American Lava which became 3M and then retired from TVA as a mechanical engineer.He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Maggie Akins.Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Patsy Locklear Akins; daughter, Robin (Phil) Shinholser; granddaughter, Sarah Shinholser; brother, Floyd Dewayne Akins; sisters, Agnes Johnson and Annette Rhodes; and several nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Dial and the Rev. Mark Womack officiating.Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga or Jones Memorial United Methodist Church.Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.