William Howard Akins, Jr. |
| Posted 2021-12-31 by mhenderson |
| Published by The Arizona Republic on December 30, 2021 - Phoenix, Arizona - Tempe – William Howard "Bill" Akins Jr., 79, died peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2021, at his Tempe home, surrounded by family. He was born on January 21, 1942, in Dothan, Alabama, to William Howard and Ellen Fortenberry Akins. Bill is survived by Rebecca, his wife of 59 years, brother John N. Akins, sons Jonathan (Tina) and Billy (Marina), granddaughters Hannah, Emily, and Naomi Akins and grandson Henry Akins. After his family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, Bill competed for and won a scholarship to The Hill School, Pottstown, PA, where he was reputedly the first Mississippian to attend since Reconstruction. After graduating in 1960, Bill then matriculated at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. He married Rebecca Ragan, a fellow Duke student in 1962. Bill graduated from Duke in 1964 and returned to The Hill to teach English. He subsequently taught English at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, before receiving his PhD in Theatre from the University of Denver where he acted, sang, and danced in many productions. Bill remained at Denver as theatre faculty until he moved to Arizona in 1975 to become Chair of the Theatre Department at Arizona State University, a position he held for over 20 years. During his tenure at ASU, Bill taught and directed 26 productions. He also served as Interim Dean of Fine Arts, and as Director of the Institute for Studies in the Arts where he became "the official voice of experimental theatre," according to a colleague. After retirement from ASU, Bill and his son established a real-estate company. Bill was known far and wide for his skills as a chef and a handyman. He loved Greece and spent many summers there, learning the language and exploring the mainland and islands. Bill was also known for his wicked wit, admiration of felines, broad anti-authoritarian streak, keen intellect, great charitable generosity, and devotion to family. May his memory be a blessing. Honoring his request for no formal service, a private family celebration of his life was held this Christmas Eve. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Foodbank. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?