Burrel Adkins

"We are born for a higher destiny than that of earth; there is a realm where the rainbow never fades, where the stars will be spread before us like islands that slumber on the ocean, and where the beings that pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever." Burrel Adkins, 72, of Chillicothe, died on Sunday, November 8, 2009, in Adena Regional Medical Center. He was born May 27, 1937, in Ross Co. to the late William Clancy and Nettie Hill Adkins. On June 4, 1957, he married the former Joyce L. Hall, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter and son-in-law Diana (Gary) Wedgewood, of Columbia, TN; son Philip Adkins and special friend Cheri Easterday, Chillicothe; grandchildren Greg (Nikki) Adkins, Chillicothe; Derek (Becky) Hill, Knoxville, TN; Kelsi Adkins, Indianapolis, IN; and Chris Hill, Chattanooga, TN; a great-granddaughter Kailee Adkins, Chillicothe; step-grandchildren Josiah and Zechariah Wedgewood; step-great-grandchild Taylor Wedgewood, all of Nashville, TN; a sister Fern Smith, of Chillicothe; brothers Ray Adkins, of Beech Bluff, TN; and David (Teresa) Adkins, of Chillicothe; sister-in-law Pat (Ed) Dean, Littleton, CO; brother-in-law Warren Sonny Hall, Chillicothe; numerous nieces and nephews, including Mark (Angela) Dean, of Littleton, CO; and Jeff Dean, of Denver, CO; several great-nieces and great-nephews, and his aunt Faye Davidson, of Peachtree City, GA. He was predeceased by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Warren and Marie Hall, two sisters and three brothers. Burrel died peacefully after a hard fought eleven year battle against Multiple Myeloma. He grew up on a farm located in the shadow of Sugar Loaf Mountain in northern Ross County Ohio. From a young age, he worked hard and dreamed of the opportunities that life had to offer. He valued education and developed a lifelong love of sports, first as a competitor and later as a supporter and avid fan. While in high school, Burrel ran track and played basketball for Centralia. He was named to the All Ross County team in basketball and was a standout in track and field. After graduating from Centralia High School in 1955, he worked at Goodyear Atomic before being hired in the research department at Mead Paper. He worked days and attended classes at night to accomplish his dream of going into business for himself. That dream was realized, and in 2008 he celebrated 50 years as a Real Estate Broker and developer. Over the years he continually expanded his knowledge and expertise in the field of real estate by earning the advanced designations of CRB (Certified Residential Broker), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and becoming a licensed Real Estate appraiser. In 1973 Burrel and Robert C. Evans merged their real estate offices to form Adkins Evans, Inc. As an entrepreneur Burrel founded and operated radio station WFCB with Ron Fewster in 1978, was a partner in Foulke Block, Ltd., and developed Bellewood Place Subdivision. Burrel was blessed to meet many people over the years as a result of his active involvement in both the local community and business world. His love of sports was well-known, and on most Friday evenings he could be found in the stands of local high school sporting events. Even in recent years when he was unable to attend, Burrel kept abreast of local and college athletics through the sports page and his TV remote control. Always with a positive outlook, he had a quiet impact on many lives. Those who knew Burrel will remember a gentle-natured, easy-going, fun-loving person who knew no strangers. In many aspects of his life, his upbeat attitude and creative spark served him well over the years. Although he accomplished much professionally, he valued his relationships with others even more. However, what always meant the most to him were his wife and family. We will sorely miss this special man. Until being slowed by his illness, Burrel was actively involved in many civic and community organizations including Past President of the Ross County Board of Realtors, Past President of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, Broker of the Year (1984), Ross County YMCA Board of Directors, Board of the Chillicothe Parks and Recreation Department, Board of Governors of Traditions of Chillicothe, past member of Kiwanis, Cavalier, and Chillicothe Touchdown Clubs, Chillicothe Improvement Corporation, and member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as both Trustee and Treasurer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Saturday, November 14, at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. James Grove officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 5-9pm at Haller Funeral Home. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made either to Ross County Relay for Life, c/o Cathy Adams, 92 Oliver Dr., Chillicothe, Ohio, or Traditions of Chillicothe, 142 University Dr., Chillicothe, Ohio.
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