Bret Akins

It is with great sadness that the loving family of Bret Howard Akins, 53, would like to make known that he has gone to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.  He was the eldest son of deceased parents, Howard Munson Akins and Aura (Teddi) Akins.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Wendy McDaniel Akins, who was the loving mother to their three children.  He is survived by his children, Shelby Lynne Akins, Austin Howard Akins, and Devin Andrew Akins; one sister, Toni Akins Campagnone (John); three brothers, Bart Akins, Travis Akins (Paige), and Craig Akins (Heather); nieces, Lynne Campagnone, Leigh Anne Campagnone, Erin Akins, and Hannah Akins; nephews, Kyle Stuart and Tristan Akins; and cousins, Deborah Goodwin, Phyllis Steedley, Barbara Carlton, Sharon Sanders, Cindy Jones, and David Akins.  His beloved aunt Geneva is the family angel and his recently deceased uncle Calvin was a second father to him.

Bret graduated from Matoaca High School in 1986 and always had Warrior pride.  After his graduation, he remained in the Matoaca community for many years as a little league baseball and football coach.  His greatest loves were his children, family, and church. He was an avid sports fan of the Washington Redskins, University of Virginia Cavaliers, and the Texas Rangers. He loved attending concerts and supporting all kinds of live music. He freelanced in photography and captured many graduations, proms, weddings, and newborn pictures for friends and families.  He loved sharing his universal knowledge of people, places, and things, just like his beloved father. Bret was a heartfelt, genuine person.

He loved playing the drums at Enon Baptist Church. In addition to playing for his church, he and two friends formed a band named “Bank Street Project” which recently played in Olde Towne Petersburg for their first public appearance on Friday, July 24, 2020. He was so proud and happy to fulfill one of his dreams while he was surrounded by many friends and family members! He had a successful career with Compex Legal Services in Richmond, which afforded him lots of travel and enjoyment. Bret also leaves special friends to cherish his memory including, Roseanne Worrell, Chris David, Steve Hall, Michael Moore, and so many others.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. at Beacon Hill Church, located inside of the historic Beacon Theatre at 401 North Main Street in Hopewell, Virginia.  An uplifting celebration of live will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Per Bret’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions of backpacks and school supplies may be donated to Bret’s family to be distributed to Matoaca Elementary School, when they can be accepted, per the school. Out of respect for others with potentially compromised immune systems, we ask that you wear a mask while inside the Beacon Theatre and practice social distancing.   Arrangements by The Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com .