Rickie Akers

Rickie “Rick” Akers was born May 7, 1948 to Woodrow and Lillian Akers in Dana, Kentucky. He was the fifth of nine children. Growing up Rick worked hard to help his parents and he excelled in both school and on the basketball court. The family moved to Michigan in the 1960’s and Rick graduated with honors from Utica High School in 1966. Rick decided to forego college in order to help support his family and went to work for General Motors in 1966, on the assembly line. He retired from GM in 1996. Rick was drafted into the U.S. army in 1966 he served honorably in the Signal Corps and was based in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was then discharged in 1971. Rick was lucky in love. He met his soulmate as a young man when Nana “Fay” became friends with his sister Rose as young children. Rick and Fay began dating in 1966 and were married on September 21, 1969. Rick and Fay were married for 52 years. Their love for each other was apparent in all they did. In 2013 for their 45th anniversary they renewed their marriage vows; they were surrounded by their family and friends at the Church they loved. Rick loved the Lord. He found forgiveness and joined The Little Zion Church of Old Regular Baptist in March of 1986. He enjoyed nothing more than helping at the church. He helped in any capacity whether it was caring for the lawn, cleaning the sanctuary, or building the fellowship hall. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1987 and as a Minister in 1991. He served faithfully in many leadership positions in the church including Clerk and Moderator (pastor). He was a good and faithful servant to the Lord. His love for the Lord was the most important relationship in his life. He led a beautiful example of humbleness and service for his family and the world. Rick was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Rick and Fay were blessed with four sons and 12 grandchildren: Thomas “Pat” (Tina), and Amanda and Olivia of Dayton, Ohio; Joseph (Marie), Megan (Miro) Rebic, Shelby, Natalie, and Aubree of Capac, Michigan; David (Noelle), Luke, Noah, and Emma of Clarkston, Michigan; Adam (Georgianna) Jillian, McKenna, and Gwendolyn of Athens, Georgia. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and sympathy during this time. A service will be held at The Little Zion Church of Old Regular Baptist at 10:30am on Monday, December 6th.