Kimbrell Stern

Dawson, Ga. He was born on Jan. 5, 1942, in Griffin, Ga., to the late Ellis Barron Akin and Hazel Corrine Hollis Akin.He graduated from Griffin High School in 1961 and loved playing in the high school band. He was also a member of the glee club and Library Club. He later went on to earn his bachelor’s degree.He worked as a draftsman for Southern States, M&M Mars, Duracell Battery, and also designed a vital piece of equipment for a railroad company. He was an EMT for several years in Georgia as well as an honorary Bradley County police officer, working as a juvenile officer. He also mentored many youth, he lovingly called his adopted kids. He cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He loved reading, music, playing guitar, singing Karaoke, cooking, fishing and gardening, as well as designing and building things. He simply had an insatiable love of learning and life!He was a loving and compassionate man, with a remarkably positive attitude. He will be remembered for his huge heart, gentle spirit, and sound advice, sought after by many. He will be greatly missed as the special gift he represented in so many lives.He is survived by his children: Melanie Akin Stowers, and her husband, Rick, of Tallahassee, Fla., Laurie Beaver, and her husband, Rodger, of Dawson, Ga., and Chris Akin, and his wife, Beth, of Cleveland; his children’s mother, Gloria Akin of Albany, Ga.; his stepchildren: Alisha M. James of Charleston, Christy Wells of Cleveland, and Tammy Drain, and her husband, Russell, of Calhoun, Ga.; grandchildren: Melissa, Christian, Lauren, Bradley, Nick, Steven, Caitlyn, Garret, Olivia, Mattson and Kalan; great-grandchildren: Ansley and Mattis; cousins; and many loving friends. He was a blessed man.He was preceded in death by his older infant sister; grandson, Wesley Beaver; and wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Vermell Akin.He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are at peace knowing he is with God.A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at Freedom Church of Albany, 2200 Ledo Road, Albany GA 31707.&nb... (Cleveland Daily Banner)