Joseph Edward Adkins, age 57, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was formerly of Clintwood, VA but lived in the Jonesborough, TN area.

He graduated from Clintwood High School, the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, and Mountain Empire Community College where he earned a Registered Nursing Associate Degree. He was last employed by Pro-Care Home Health and Private Duty Services in Johnson City, TN.

Joe was an avid Civil War buff and thoroughly enjoyed participating in Civil War re-enactments. He particularly enjoyed doing a living history portrayal of a distant cousin, Colonel Abram Fulkerson, of the Confederate 19th and 63rd Tennessee units from the Bristol and Hawkins County, TN area. He was Camp Commander of the Jonesborough Camp of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, General Alfred E. Jackson Camp #2159.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arcus Adkins and Imogene Hilton Adkins; his paternal grandparents, Toy Edward Adkins and Alma Yates Adkins; and his maternal grandparents, James R. Hilton and Minnie R. Kiser Hilton. He was also preceded in death by his step-grandmother, Annie Adkins Hilton, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joe is survived by the wife of his heart, Michele Watson Adkins of Johnson City, TN; two sisters, Nancy Adkins of Abingdon, VA and Rebecca Adkins of Bristol, VA. He is also survived by three children, a daughter, Laurel Adkins of Jonesborough, TN; and two sons, Michael Adkins of Dublin, VA and John Adkins of Jonesborough, TN. One grandson, Emmett Bryce Jewell of Roanoke, VA also survives Joe. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15th at Greenwood Acres, 436 Centre Avenue NE, Coeburn, VA 24230, with the Reverend Tom Musselman, Chaplain of the Vaughn’s Brigade, Sons of Confederate Veterans, officiating. Confederate Military Honors will be provided by Vaughn’s Brigade, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Several Confederate re-enactors groups will also participate and serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to gather at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Old Maple Grove Church, 6362 Dr. Ralph Stanley Highway, Coeburn, VA 24230.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The family of Joseph Edward Adkins is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).



Visitation

Tuesday October 14, 2014, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Main Street Chapel, Farris Funeral Service
Click for Map and Directions

Graveside Service

Wednesday October 15, 2014, 2:00 pm at Greenwood Acres

∼My husband Joe was a wonderful friend, husband, confidant, teacher, protector, and soulmate. Joe and I had a spiritual ceremony and were never able to be legally married. I later had his name added to mine which would have made him so happy. We made a covenant with our Creator in July 2014 and had talked about getting married in Oct. 11, the day he sadly passed. He was the love of my life and I was his. I miss him every day. ("I will be the one in the red vest, honey." I will meet you there, my sweet love. ). You called me your guardian angel. And you are mine, my love. All my heart..