John Orville Adkins

John Orville Adkins, 76, of Humboldt, Tennessee born on October 19, 1948 to John and Rosie Adkins fell asleep in death on August 8, 2025 peacefully.  He lost his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and was surrounded by his beloved wife, children and grandsons at the Jackson General Hospital.  Orville was the baby of the family with three older sisters: Jean, Gwen and Shirley and one older brother, Charles.  He became a Bible student early in life and because of his love for his creator, he dedicated his life to Jehovah God in 1961 and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses at the age of 12 in Humboldt Lake.  On June 15, 1968, Orville wed his young bride, Betty Hardee in Jackson, Tennessee.  He soon began his role as Dad to four children and then later as Pawpaw to his eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was Uncle Orville to many nieces  and nephews. The time spent with them were the true highlights of his life.

Professionally, Orville made a name for himself as the owner and operator of a carpet sales and installation business, reflecting his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He also offered janitorial services, earning respect for honesty and reliability. Beyond his professional endeavors, Orville’s service to his spiritual community was a cornerstone of his life. As an Elder at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Humboldt, he dedicated himself to sharing the Good News with others. Orville spent decades volunteering his time, money, and energy to laying carpet in Kingdom Halls all over Tennessee with his wife and family. Together, he and Betty traveled to Greece, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, and Suriname to share in the building of branch offices for the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. His national and international volunteer work and preaching work gave him great joy and helped him to build friendships with people of all ages and races.  

Orville’s interests were as diverse as his experiences. His love for fishing began decades ago when he and Betty went with her dad, Ollie Hardee, fishing in the Hatchie bottoms. He and Betty shared this love of fishing with each of their grandchildren.  Many hours were spent fishing in so many different waters, and we always knew when PawPaw had a fish on his line by that laugh we all sought to imitate. He shared his love of spending time in the woods with his kids, their spouses and grandkids. He enjoyed feeding and watching his hummingbirds year after year. He lovingly tended to his rose garden, regularly sharing the flowers with Betty and sending pictures of the flowers to his girls. Orville loved to sing, and he enjoyed playing his guitar for others to enjoy.  His personality was one of warmth and laughter, a loving and dedicated soul who embraced his faith and family wholeheartedly.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Adkins; his son, Keith Adkins and his wife Gina; daughters Kimberly Paris and her husband Ron, Karla Pollak and her husband Eric, and Kristina Carroll and her husband Zachary; brother Charles Adkins and his wife Cheryl; sister Shirley Goff and her husband Randy; his eight cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Penelope, Kody, Hunter, Fisher, Rider, Josiah, and Jorjah; and his three great-grandchildren, Jakkob, Easton, and Ella, along with many nieces and nephews. Each of them were so strongly loved by their Pawpaw, and they will treasure the memories of their time together and look forward to the time that they will all be together again in paradise.

Orville will be remembered for his spirited laughter, gentle guidance, and steadfast commitment to faith and family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those he loved.