Oliver "Ollie" Whitley Adkins

Oliver Whitley Adkins, Ollie, 85, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away at his residence on June 17, 2017. Oliver was born on March 6, 1932, in Wayne County, West Virginia, to the late Emmett Adkins and Sarah Mills Clay. He married Lula Mae "Dudy" Burns on June 15, 1955. She preceded him in death on October 9, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brother Bernie Adkins, his three children, Randell Scott Adkins, Ronald Allen Adkins, and his daughter Tina Louise Russell. Oliver is survived by his son-in-law, David Russell. His beloved grandchildren include Elizabeth (Kevin) Upmal, Christopher Adkins, Sarah (Kyle) Deel, Kari Anderson (Dustin Gibbs), Andrea (Jason) Jarvis, and Tyler Adkins (Jeannie Wilson). Great-grandchildren include Jacob and Ethan Shope, Logan, Lane and Lucy Deel, Holden and Hudson Jarvis, Aria Gibbs and special friend Kim Adkins. Oliver started delivering newspapers when he was 12 years old around Marshall University. He graduated from Wayne County High School in May 1950. He was the first of the Adkins family to graduate high school. Oliver enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years and was stationed mostly in California. After he was honorably discharged in September 1954, Oliver started selling cars and went on to own dealerships in Marietta, Point Pleasant, Gallipolis and McArthur. He was a longtime associate of the Gallipolis Auto Auction. Oliver was a member of The American Legion Post 0027 of Gallipolis for 35 years. He was also a 55 year life member of The Elks Lodge #107 in Gallipolis. Oliver and Duty were members of the Gallipolis Boat Club since 1963. Oliver was also an honorary member of Alpha Delta Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Rio Grande. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from 4-6 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home. Service will follow the visitation at 6 p.m., with Bob Powell officiating. A private graveside service will be held for the family. Pall bearers will be David Russell, Christopher Adkins, Kyle Deel, Jason Jarvis, Tyler Adkins, Dustin Gibbs, J.D. Taylor, and Frank Doolittle.