Roger Lee Akers was born on Feb 2, 1950 at Whitby, Raleigh County, West Virginia to the late William Grayson Akers 1930-1982 and Arvilla Angeline Keffer Akers, 1933-2001. His paternal grandparents were the late Wilburn Ellis Akers 1901-1969 and Iva Arlene Atkinson Akers Hoyer, 1909-1990. His maternal grandparents were the late Earl Lee Keffer 1893-1968 and Laura Mae Cadle Keffer, 1902-1987. His late paternal great-grandparents were the late William James Delbert Akers, 1872-1952 and Ada Ann Wheeler 1874-?. His maternal great-grandparents were the late William Preston Keffer 1862-1944 and Loretta "Ettie" Hypes Keffer, 1869-1923.
His brothers, Darrell Grayson and wife Karen of Coal City, WV, the late Clifford James (1952-1952), Stephenson and wife Audrey of Bluefield, WV, Carl Dean and wife Teresa of Coal City, WV, Timothy Ellis and wife Connie of Welch, WV, and William Joseph Akers and wife Mary of Atlanta, GA. He had 3 children, 1 daughter, Michelle Lee of Coal City, sons, Roger Lee II of Josephine and James Wesley and wife Natalie of Princeton, WV; 5 grandchildren, Rebecca Martin of Beckley, Roger Lee Akers III and wife K'Lee of Beckley, Emily Brook Akers, James Wesley Akers II and Nicholas Hager of Princeton, WV., Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Covey and Nellie Mullens, like sisters, sisters-in-law Lorrita Brooks and Teresa Reynolds.
As a baby, Roger was taken to the Jonben Church of God by his loving Christian parents. He was taught the word of God. He loved to sing at a young age. One of the testimonies that is still shared by several that also was part of this wonderful church was of Roger's dad holding him as a baby, his dad getting "drunk" in the Spirit of God, running and wrapping his arms around the red hot "pot-belly" stove. Dad nor baby was burned or harmed, they didn't even smell like smoke.
The desire to sing continued as he was in the Stoco High School Glee Club. He loved going to church and singing in the choir and occasionally singing a "special" song. Singing was a gift from God that opened many doors. He always had a "song" to sing.
He went to the Beckley College (1968-1970), making the Dean's List. His plan was to be an English and Math teacher. God had different plans, leading him into ministry. However, he continued taking classes throughout his ministry. He loved reading and studying. He had enough credits and life experience to have a Doctorate, but he never desired to have a "Title". He could easily talk and minister to the highly intellectual or to a young child. He was a Licensed Radio Operator Federal Communications Commission and was an account executive and on-air personality for radio station WPES, Calvary Communications, Inc., Ashland, VA.
He worked at various jobs to supplement his ministerial income at the smaller churches he pastored. He enjoyed working as a School Bus Driver and several car dealerships as Parts/Warranty Manager.
He was a licensed Ordained Minister of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN.
He was a third generation Church of God member and a second generation Church of God Minister. He was a much-loved pastor in churches in WV and Pa. He loved each place God sent him to pastor.
He and his family traveled much of the East Coast and abroad preaching, teaching and singing for the Glory of God. He had the opportunity to live and be a part of several unusual 'OPEN' doors, one was among the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA. Another was traveling, living, and being a part of the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and Campground, who sent missionaries to the "uttermost" parts of the earth. He felt very privileged to have worked and ministered along with the Heflin Family, Edith, Wallace Jr., and Ruth Ward Heflin and staff in Ashland and Richmond VA. Denominational barriers did not exist to him. It did not matter who or what church wanted him to come. He sought the Lord and would go where God would lead.
Even after he became too sick to travel or pastor a church. He continued to pray with others on the phone and sent encouraging e-mails. When he was in the hospital in Beckley, WV and Charlottesville, VA, he would have kind words and encouragement to the staff that took care of him. The Hospital Chaplains would come by to visit and leave touched by the Master's Hand. He was never ashamed to share a testimony, sing a song, have prayer with or maybe share a vision or a Word of the Lord as the Holy Spirit would lead him.
The last weeks of his life he spent at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV. He continued to share and be a blessing to others. The hospital staff and those that visited him never heard him complain. The doctors told him that they had done everything medically that could be done. It was in God's hands. Every other time he was really bad medically, he would get another miracle healing. This time after he had a visitation of the Lord calling him home, all of us knew that he would soon be going to his Heavenly home. He had awesome heavenly visitations. Everyone that heard them felt the touch of our Lord. Many left the hospital room with tears running down their face. No one could say that the MEDICINE was causing him to have these "visitations". The nurses had to get a new order from his doctor for pain meds just in case he needed them during the last hours. He had not had any pain meds for over 15 days.
The final time the doctors said there was nothing else that could medically be done. He asked for his children and grandchildren to come to the hospital. He prayed and ministered over each of us. We are blessed to have part of this on video. As he was switched over to "comfort care" in the ICU unit at RGH, he told them when to unplug the slow dialysis machine called MICKY. He removed the oxygen and told me to "not put it back on him", that he would no longer need it where he was going. It was so hard on Michelle and I when he held his arm up for the DNR (DO NOT RESUSCITATE) band to be on his wrist. He then wanted to talk about Funeral Arrangements. He made everything easy for us. He made all of the hard decisions that we would have had to make. From the pastors to speak, the song to be sung, and the blue suit he wanted to be buried in. He made sure to let Michelle know to choose a wild (spiffy) tie. We all know he liked ties.
He was an extraordinary person; never meeting a stranger or at a loss of words. He loved life to the very end. He fell into a deep sleep on Saturday, July 8, 2017 and was carried away on July 9, at 4:48 pm to be with family and friends and most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His family would like to thank all of our family, friends and church family at the Beckley Church of God, pastors; Bishop F. D. Sexton and Bishop Wayne Wicker for all the prayers, encouragement, and the delicious food that was sent. Also, our very good friends, Rev. and Mrs. Windell Ely whom visited, brought great home-made food and helped with the funeral. The Welch Church of God, where his brother Bishop Tim and Connie Akers pastor, also prayed, encouraged and cooked food that everyone enjoyed. We received over 1,000 e-mails, messages, texts and also cards that were a great comfort. There were so many we apologize if we did not respond to each one individually. We are still being asked to again share some of the "Mini Sermons" and songs he sung during the weeks before he went HOME.
We are very grateful for the awesome care he received by the staff of the University of Virginia, Charlottsville, VA since Dec. 31, 2009. We especially appreciate Doctor Michael Douvas of the Emily Couric Cancer Center who helped him overcome and be cancer free. He died of liver and kidney failure.
We are thankful for his Primary Care Doctor, Billy Cole and staff at the Access Medical Clinic at Mabscott, WV who took care of him for over 15 years. Also, the staff at the Raleigh General Hospital, especially the 4th floor and the ICU Unit who took care of him until his passing. Numerous times we were stopped in the cafeteria, lobby and elevators by staff asking how we were doing and if they could do anything for us. We are grateful for every kind gesture during this time. Our family, church family and friends brought food and care packages to the hospital room so we never had to leave him alone. We thank God that he went from this earthly home to his heavenly home feeling very loved.
Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley, WV took care of us doing a wonderful job.
Our family says a big THANK YOU for "everything",
Mrs. Aldetta Akers (wife of Roger Akers) and family.
His brothers, Darrell Grayson and wife Karen of Coal City, WV, the late Clifford James (1952-1952), Stephenson and wife Audrey of Bluefield, WV, Carl Dean and wife Teresa of Coal City, WV, Timothy Ellis and wife Connie of Welch, WV, and William Joseph Akers and wife Mary of Atlanta, GA. He had 3 children, 1 daughter, Michelle Lee of Coal City, sons, Roger Lee II of Josephine and James Wesley and wife Natalie of Princeton, WV; 5 grandchildren, Rebecca Martin of Beckley, Roger Lee Akers III and wife K'Lee of Beckley, Emily Brook Akers, James Wesley Akers II and Nicholas Hager of Princeton, WV., Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Covey and Nellie Mullens, like sisters, sisters-in-law Lorrita Brooks and Teresa Reynolds.
As a baby, Roger was taken to the Jonben Church of God by his loving Christian parents. He was taught the word of God. He loved to sing at a young age. One of the testimonies that is still shared by several that also was part of this wonderful church was of Roger's dad holding him as a baby, his dad getting "drunk" in the Spirit of God, running and wrapping his arms around the red hot "pot-belly" stove. Dad nor baby was burned or harmed, they didn't even smell like smoke.
The desire to sing continued as he was in the Stoco High School Glee Club. He loved going to church and singing in the choir and occasionally singing a "special" song. Singing was a gift from God that opened many doors. He always had a "song" to sing.
He went to the Beckley College (1968-1970), making the Dean's List. His plan was to be an English and Math teacher. God had different plans, leading him into ministry. However, he continued taking classes throughout his ministry. He loved reading and studying. He had enough credits and life experience to have a Doctorate, but he never desired to have a "Title". He could easily talk and minister to the highly intellectual or to a young child. He was a Licensed Radio Operator Federal Communications Commission and was an account executive and on-air personality for radio station WPES, Calvary Communications, Inc., Ashland, VA.
He worked at various jobs to supplement his ministerial income at the smaller churches he pastored. He enjoyed working as a School Bus Driver and several car dealerships as Parts/Warranty Manager.
He was a licensed Ordained Minister of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN.
He was a third generation Church of God member and a second generation Church of God Minister. He was a much-loved pastor in churches in WV and Pa. He loved each place God sent him to pastor.
He and his family traveled much of the East Coast and abroad preaching, teaching and singing for the Glory of God. He had the opportunity to live and be a part of several unusual 'OPEN' doors, one was among the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA. Another was traveling, living, and being a part of the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and Campground, who sent missionaries to the "uttermost" parts of the earth. He felt very privileged to have worked and ministered along with the Heflin Family, Edith, Wallace Jr., and Ruth Ward Heflin and staff in Ashland and Richmond VA. Denominational barriers did not exist to him. It did not matter who or what church wanted him to come. He sought the Lord and would go where God would lead.
Even after he became too sick to travel or pastor a church. He continued to pray with others on the phone and sent encouraging e-mails. When he was in the hospital in Beckley, WV and Charlottesville, VA, he would have kind words and encouragement to the staff that took care of him. The Hospital Chaplains would come by to visit and leave touched by the Master's Hand. He was never ashamed to share a testimony, sing a song, have prayer with or maybe share a vision or a Word of the Lord as the Holy Spirit would lead him.
The last weeks of his life he spent at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV. He continued to share and be a blessing to others. The hospital staff and those that visited him never heard him complain. The doctors told him that they had done everything medically that could be done. It was in God's hands. Every other time he was really bad medically, he would get another miracle healing. This time after he had a visitation of the Lord calling him home, all of us knew that he would soon be going to his Heavenly home. He had awesome heavenly visitations. Everyone that heard them felt the touch of our Lord. Many left the hospital room with tears running down their face. No one could say that the MEDICINE was causing him to have these "visitations". The nurses had to get a new order from his doctor for pain meds just in case he needed them during the last hours. He had not had any pain meds for over 15 days.
The final time the doctors said there was nothing else that could medically be done. He asked for his children and grandchildren to come to the hospital. He prayed and ministered over each of us. We are blessed to have part of this on video. As he was switched over to "comfort care" in the ICU unit at RGH, he told them when to unplug the slow dialysis machine called MICKY. He removed the oxygen and told me to "not put it back on him", that he would no longer need it where he was going. It was so hard on Michelle and I when he held his arm up for the DNR (DO NOT RESUSCITATE) band to be on his wrist. He then wanted to talk about Funeral Arrangements. He made everything easy for us. He made all of the hard decisions that we would have had to make. From the pastors to speak, the song to be sung, and the blue suit he wanted to be buried in. He made sure to let Michelle know to choose a wild (spiffy) tie. We all know he liked ties.
He was an extraordinary person; never meeting a stranger or at a loss of words. He loved life to the very end. He fell into a deep sleep on Saturday, July 8, 2017 and was carried away on July 9, at 4:48 pm to be with family and friends and most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His family would like to thank all of our family, friends and church family at the Beckley Church of God, pastors; Bishop F. D. Sexton and Bishop Wayne Wicker for all the prayers, encouragement, and the delicious food that was sent. Also, our very good friends, Rev. and Mrs. Windell Ely whom visited, brought great home-made food and helped with the funeral. The Welch Church of God, where his brother Bishop Tim and Connie Akers pastor, also prayed, encouraged and cooked food that everyone enjoyed. We received over 1,000 e-mails, messages, texts and also cards that were a great comfort. There were so many we apologize if we did not respond to each one individually. We are still being asked to again share some of the "Mini Sermons" and songs he sung during the weeks before he went HOME.
We are very grateful for the awesome care he received by the staff of the University of Virginia, Charlottsville, VA since Dec. 31, 2009. We especially appreciate Doctor Michael Douvas of the Emily Couric Cancer Center who helped him overcome and be cancer free. He died of liver and kidney failure.
We are thankful for his Primary Care Doctor, Billy Cole and staff at the Access Medical Clinic at Mabscott, WV who took care of him for over 15 years. Also, the staff at the Raleigh General Hospital, especially the 4th floor and the ICU Unit who took care of him until his passing. Numerous times we were stopped in the cafeteria, lobby and elevators by staff asking how we were doing and if they could do anything for us. We are grateful for every kind gesture during this time. Our family, church family and friends brought food and care packages to the hospital room so we never had to leave him alone. We thank God that he went from this earthly home to his heavenly home feeling very loved.
Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley, WV took care of us doing a wonderful job.
Our family says a big THANK YOU for "everything",
Mrs. Aldetta Akers (wife of Roger Akers) and family.
Roger Lee Akers was born on Feb 2, 1950 at Whitby, Raleigh County, West Virginia to the late William Grayson Akers 1930-1982 and Arvilla Angeline Keffer Akers, 1933-2001. His paternal grandparents were the late Wilburn Ellis Akers 1901-1969 and Iva Arlene Atkinson Akers Hoyer, 1909-1990. His maternal grandparents were the late Earl Lee Keffer 1893-1968 and Laura Mae Cadle Keffer, 1902-1987. His late paternal great-grandparents were the late William James Delbert Akers, 1872-1952 and Ada Ann Wheeler 1874-?. His maternal great-grandparents were the late William Preston Keffer 1862-1944 and Loretta "Ettie" Hypes Keffer, 1869-1923.
His brothers, Darrell Grayson and wife Karen of Coal City, WV, the late Clifford James (1952-1952), Stephenson and wife Audrey of Bluefield, WV, Carl Dean and wife Teresa of Coal City, WV, Timothy Ellis and wife Connie of Welch, WV, and William Joseph Akers and wife Mary of Atlanta, GA. He had 3 children, 1 daughter, Michelle Lee of Coal City, sons, Roger Lee II of Josephine and James Wesley and wife Natalie of Princeton, WV; 5 grandchildren, Rebecca Martin of Beckley, Roger Lee Akers III and wife K'Lee of Beckley, Emily Brook Akers, James Wesley Akers II and Nicholas Hager of Princeton, WV., Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Covey and Nellie Mullens, like sisters, sisters-in-law Lorrita Brooks and Teresa Reynolds.
As a baby, Roger was taken to the Jonben Church of God by his loving Christian parents. He was taught the word of God. He loved to sing at a young age. One of the testimonies that is still shared by several that also was part of this wonderful church was of Roger's dad holding him as a baby, his dad getting "drunk" in the Spirit of God, running and wrapping his arms around the red hot "pot-belly" stove. Dad nor baby was burned or harmed, they didn't even smell like smoke.
The desire to sing continued as he was in the Stoco High School Glee Club. He loved going to church and singing in the choir and occasionally singing a "special" song. Singing was a gift from God that opened many doors. He always had a "song" to sing.
He went to the Beckley College (1968-1970), making the Dean's List. His plan was to be an English and Math teacher. God had different plans, leading him into ministry. However, he continued taking classes throughout his ministry. He loved reading and studying. He had enough credits and life experience to have a Doctorate, but he never desired to have a "Title". He could easily talk and minister to the highly intellectual or to a young child. He was a Licensed Radio Operator Federal Communications Commission and was an account executive and on-air personality for radio station WPES, Calvary Communications, Inc., Ashland, VA.
He worked at various jobs to supplement his ministerial income at the smaller churches he pastored. He enjoyed working as a School Bus Driver and several car dealerships as Parts/Warranty Manager.
He was a licensed Ordained Minister of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN.
He was a third generation Church of God member and a second generation Church of God Minister. He was a much-loved pastor in churches in WV and Pa. He loved each place God sent him to pastor.
He and his family traveled much of the East Coast and abroad preaching, teaching and singing for the Glory of God. He had the opportunity to live and be a part of several unusual 'OPEN' doors, one was among the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA. Another was traveling, living, and being a part of the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and Campground, who sent missionaries to the "uttermost" parts of the earth. He felt very privileged to have worked and ministered along with the Heflin Family, Edith, Wallace Jr., and Ruth Ward Heflin and staff in Ashland and Richmond VA. Denominational barriers did not exist to him. It did not matter who or what church wanted him to come. He sought the Lord and would go where God would lead.
Even after he became too sick to travel or pastor a church. He continued to pray with others on the phone and sent encouraging e-mails. When he was in the hospital in Beckley, WV and Charlottesville, VA, he would have kind words and encouragement to the staff that took care of him. The Hospital Chaplains would come by to visit and leave touched by the Master's Hand. He was never ashamed to share a testimony, sing a song, have prayer with or maybe share a vision or a Word of the Lord as the Holy Spirit would lead him.
The last weeks of his life he spent at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV. He continued to share and be a blessing to others. The hospital staff and those that visited him never heard him complain. The doctors told him that they had done everything medically that could be done. It was in God's hands. Every other time he was really bad medically, he would get another miracle healing. This time after he had a visitation of the Lord calling him home, all of us knew that he would soon be going to his Heavenly home. He had awesome heavenly visitations. Everyone that heard them felt the touch of our Lord. Many left the hospital room with tears running down their face. No one could say that the MEDICINE was causing him to have these "visitations". The nurses had to get a new order from his doctor for pain meds just in case he needed them during the last hours. He had not had any pain meds for over 15 days.
The final time the doctors said there was nothing else that could medically be done. He asked for his children and grandchildren to come to the hospital. He prayed and ministered over each of us. We are blessed to have part of this on video. As he was switched over to "comfort care" in the ICU unit at RGH, he told them when to unplug the slow dialysis machine called MICKY. He removed the oxygen and told me to "not put it back on him", that he would no longer need it where he was going. It was so hard on Michelle and I when he held his arm up for the DNR (DO NOT RESUSCITATE) band to be on his wrist. He then wanted to talk about Funeral Arrangements. He made everything easy for us. He made all of the hard decisions that we would have had to make. From the pastors to speak, the song to be sung, and the blue suit he wanted to be buried in. He made sure to let Michelle know to choose a wild (spiffy) tie. We all know he liked ties.
He was an extraordinary person; never meeting a stranger or at a loss of words. He loved life to the very end. He fell into a deep sleep on Saturday, July 8, 2017 and was carried away on July 9, at 4:48 pm to be with family and friends and most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His family would like to thank all of our family, friends and church family at the Beckley Church of God, pastors; Bishop F. D. Sexton and Bishop Wayne Wicker for all the prayers, encouragement, and the delicious food that was sent. Also, our very good friends, Rev. and Mrs. Windell Ely whom visited, brought great home-made food and helped with the funeral. The Welch Church of God, where his brother Bishop Tim and Connie Akers pastor, also prayed, encouraged and cooked food that everyone enjoyed. We received over 1,000 e-mails, messages, texts and also cards that were a great comfort. There were so many we apologize if we did not respond to each one individually. We are still being asked to again share some of the "Mini Sermons" and songs he sung during the weeks before he went HOME.
We are very grateful for the awesome care he received by the staff of the University of Virginia, Charlottsville, VA since Dec. 31, 2009. We especially appreciate Doctor Michael Douvas of the Emily Couric Cancer Center who helped him overcome and be cancer free. He died of liver and kidney failure.
We are thankful for his Primary Care Doctor, Billy Cole and staff at the Access Medical Clinic at Mabscott, WV who took care of him for over 15 years. Also, the staff at the Raleigh General Hospital, especially the 4th floor and the ICU Unit who took care of him until his passing. Numerous times we were stopped in the cafeteria, lobby and elevators by staff asking how we were doing and if they could do anything for us. We are grateful for every kind gesture during this time. Our family, church family and friends brought food and care packages to the hospital room so we never had to leave him alone. We thank God that he went from this earthly home to his heavenly home feeling very loved.
Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley, WV took care of us doing a wonderful job.
Our family says a big THANK YOU for "everything",
Mrs. Aldetta Akers (wife of Roger Akers) and family.
His brothers, Darrell Grayson and wife Karen of Coal City, WV, the late Clifford James (1952-1952), Stephenson and wife Audrey of Bluefield, WV, Carl Dean and wife Teresa of Coal City, WV, Timothy Ellis and wife Connie of Welch, WV, and William Joseph Akers and wife Mary of Atlanta, GA. He had 3 children, 1 daughter, Michelle Lee of Coal City, sons, Roger Lee II of Josephine and James Wesley and wife Natalie of Princeton, WV; 5 grandchildren, Rebecca Martin of Beckley, Roger Lee Akers III and wife K'Lee of Beckley, Emily Brook Akers, James Wesley Akers II and Nicholas Hager of Princeton, WV., Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Covey and Nellie Mullens, like sisters, sisters-in-law Lorrita Brooks and Teresa Reynolds.
As a baby, Roger was taken to the Jonben Church of God by his loving Christian parents. He was taught the word of God. He loved to sing at a young age. One of the testimonies that is still shared by several that also was part of this wonderful church was of Roger's dad holding him as a baby, his dad getting "drunk" in the Spirit of God, running and wrapping his arms around the red hot "pot-belly" stove. Dad nor baby was burned or harmed, they didn't even smell like smoke.
The desire to sing continued as he was in the Stoco High School Glee Club. He loved going to church and singing in the choir and occasionally singing a "special" song. Singing was a gift from God that opened many doors. He always had a "song" to sing.
He went to the Beckley College (1968-1970), making the Dean's List. His plan was to be an English and Math teacher. God had different plans, leading him into ministry. However, he continued taking classes throughout his ministry. He loved reading and studying. He had enough credits and life experience to have a Doctorate, but he never desired to have a "Title". He could easily talk and minister to the highly intellectual or to a young child. He was a Licensed Radio Operator Federal Communications Commission and was an account executive and on-air personality for radio station WPES, Calvary Communications, Inc., Ashland, VA.
He worked at various jobs to supplement his ministerial income at the smaller churches he pastored. He enjoyed working as a School Bus Driver and several car dealerships as Parts/Warranty Manager.
He was a licensed Ordained Minister of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN.
He was a third generation Church of God member and a second generation Church of God Minister. He was a much-loved pastor in churches in WV and Pa. He loved each place God sent him to pastor.
He and his family traveled much of the East Coast and abroad preaching, teaching and singing for the Glory of God. He had the opportunity to live and be a part of several unusual 'OPEN' doors, one was among the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA. Another was traveling, living, and being a part of the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle and Campground, who sent missionaries to the "uttermost" parts of the earth. He felt very privileged to have worked and ministered along with the Heflin Family, Edith, Wallace Jr., and Ruth Ward Heflin and staff in Ashland and Richmond VA. Denominational barriers did not exist to him. It did not matter who or what church wanted him to come. He sought the Lord and would go where God would lead.
Even after he became too sick to travel or pastor a church. He continued to pray with others on the phone and sent encouraging e-mails. When he was in the hospital in Beckley, WV and Charlottesville, VA, he would have kind words and encouragement to the staff that took care of him. The Hospital Chaplains would come by to visit and leave touched by the Master's Hand. He was never ashamed to share a testimony, sing a song, have prayer with or maybe share a vision or a Word of the Lord as the Holy Spirit would lead him.
The last weeks of his life he spent at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV. He continued to share and be a blessing to others. The hospital staff and those that visited him never heard him complain. The doctors told him that they had done everything medically that could be done. It was in God's hands. Every other time he was really bad medically, he would get another miracle healing. This time after he had a visitation of the Lord calling him home, all of us knew that he would soon be going to his Heavenly home. He had awesome heavenly visitations. Everyone that heard them felt the touch of our Lord. Many left the hospital room with tears running down their face. No one could say that the MEDICINE was causing him to have these "visitations". The nurses had to get a new order from his doctor for pain meds just in case he needed them during the last hours. He had not had any pain meds for over 15 days.
The final time the doctors said there was nothing else that could medically be done. He asked for his children and grandchildren to come to the hospital. He prayed and ministered over each of us. We are blessed to have part of this on video. As he was switched over to "comfort care" in the ICU unit at RGH, he told them when to unplug the slow dialysis machine called MICKY. He removed the oxygen and told me to "not put it back on him", that he would no longer need it where he was going. It was so hard on Michelle and I when he held his arm up for the DNR (DO NOT RESUSCITATE) band to be on his wrist. He then wanted to talk about Funeral Arrangements. He made everything easy for us. He made all of the hard decisions that we would have had to make. From the pastors to speak, the song to be sung, and the blue suit he wanted to be buried in. He made sure to let Michelle know to choose a wild (spiffy) tie. We all know he liked ties.
He was an extraordinary person; never meeting a stranger or at a loss of words. He loved life to the very end. He fell into a deep sleep on Saturday, July 8, 2017 and was carried away on July 9, at 4:48 pm to be with family and friends and most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His family would like to thank all of our family, friends and church family at the Beckley Church of God, pastors; Bishop F. D. Sexton and Bishop Wayne Wicker for all the prayers, encouragement, and the delicious food that was sent. Also, our very good friends, Rev. and Mrs. Windell Ely whom visited, brought great home-made food and helped with the funeral. The Welch Church of God, where his brother Bishop Tim and Connie Akers pastor, also prayed, encouraged and cooked food that everyone enjoyed. We received over 1,000 e-mails, messages, texts and also cards that were a great comfort. There were so many we apologize if we did not respond to each one individually. We are still being asked to again share some of the "Mini Sermons" and songs he sung during the weeks before he went HOME.
We are very grateful for the awesome care he received by the staff of the University of Virginia, Charlottsville, VA since Dec. 31, 2009. We especially appreciate Doctor Michael Douvas of the Emily Couric Cancer Center who helped him overcome and be cancer free. He died of liver and kidney failure.
We are thankful for his Primary Care Doctor, Billy Cole and staff at the Access Medical Clinic at Mabscott, WV who took care of him for over 15 years. Also, the staff at the Raleigh General Hospital, especially the 4th floor and the ICU Unit who took care of him until his passing. Numerous times we were stopped in the cafeteria, lobby and elevators by staff asking how we were doing and if they could do anything for us. We are grateful for every kind gesture during this time. Our family, church family and friends brought food and care packages to the hospital room so we never had to leave him alone. We thank God that he went from this earthly home to his heavenly home feeling very loved.
Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley, WV took care of us doing a wonderful job.
Our family says a big THANK YOU for "everything",
Mrs. Aldetta Akers (wife of Roger Akers) and family.
