Donald Adkins

Donald Earl Adkins, 74, of Columbus, passed away on September 2, 2025.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2:00pm in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907.

Donald was born on December, 26, 1950, in Columbus, GA, to the late Walter and Lorene Adkins. He graduated from Baker High School in 1969 and built a lifelong career in sales, working with Life and Casualty Insurance, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, and later retiring from Flowers Baking Company. His career in sales was a perfect fit for his outgoing personality, as he truly loved connecting with people.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy in life was caring for his family, and he lived each day with purpose and devotion to them. A true provider, he worked tirelessly to ensure that those he loved were always taken care of. He deeply loved his family and friends and he was a devoted fan of UGA football, especially enjoying tailgating in Athens with his cherished tailgate family. His greatest passion was golf and being on the golf course, and even when his health no longer allowed him to play, he found joy in sitting on his deck, watching golfers pass by and calling out a friendly hello to his friends.

Known for his outgoing nature and fun-loving spirit, Donald never met a stranger. Family and friends will remember him as one of a kind and a man with a big heart who gave freely of himself, always putting others first and finding joy in making others feel welcome and bringing happiness to those around him. His legacy of family, love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Donald is survived by the love of his life of 55 years, Rhonda Elks Adkins, daughter: Brandi Adkins Price, grandson: Austin Tanner Price, sister: Karen Henderson (Ron), brother: Charles Adkins, sister-in-law: Juanita Adkins, nieces: Kim Norman (Matthew), Alecia Cravey (Dana), Meagan Farr (David), Erin Alabdali (Bedhur), Tammy Farrow, Sheri Adkins, and nephew: Ryan Henderson, and 2 great nieces and 7 great nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Adkins, nephew, Keith Adkins, and sister-in-law, Ikuko Adkins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charitable organization of their choice in his memory.