William R. "Bill" Akers Jr.

William “Bill” Robinson Akers Jr., age 63, went to his Heavenly home on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

 Bill was reunited with his parents, Bill and Margaret Akers; father-in-law, Kenneth B. Ferguson, brother-in-law, Kenney Ferguson, and niece, Samantha Jo Ferguson.

To write a full account of the accomplishments, accolades, and the life of service of Bill Akers would be quite the undertaking. However, Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – and Bill Akers’ life was a testament of giving; of service; and of love.

 In his over-forty-year career, Bill wore many hats – but all with the same goal: to be in service to others. As a chemistry teacher at St. Paul High School, he helped educate the upcoming generations of adolescents growing into adulthood. From there, he went on to work at the Southwest Virginia EMS Council as a training coordinator where he was instrumental in bringing quality education to the EMS agencies in the region. With his passion for enhancing the quality of patient care in the region, Bill later assumed the role of program director for the Southwest Virginia Paramedic Program, which he still held and was very proud of. Under his direction, the Paramedic Program grew from a single class in Richlands, Virginia to providing paramedic-level education at all corners of the region. Additionally, EMT programs were added to increase the opportunities for people to learn to serve their communities. In his tenure as the program director, Bill guided and mentored many other up-and-coming paramedic programs across the Commonwealth, and he served on and/or chaired many regional and state committees focused on providing the highest-quality EMS education.

 In addition to his role as an educator, Bill also had a very storied career as an actively-practicing paramedic. Serving his hometown of Lebanon, Virginia with Lebanon Lifesaving Crew since the 1980s, he climbed the ranks to serve as the captain of the agency for more than two decades. In most recent years, he has served as a member of the agency’s Board of Directors where he still worked to ensure high-quality EMS care was available to his neighbors and community members. Additionally, Bill was most well-known as being one of the original paramedics brought on to fly with the Virginia State Police Med-Flight II program in Abingdon, Virginia, in 1987. Beginning there only as a volunteer paramedic, Bill has continued to work as a flight paramedic, even with his other roles and responsibilities, because he remained passionate about the mission of Med-Flight and its service to Southwest Virginia.

 Over his career, Bill has been given numerous awards and recognitions from local, regional, and state organizations. He has been recognized multiple times for his passion as an EMS educator; his tenacity as an EMS agency leader; and his drive as a paramedic in rural Southwest Virginia. Most recently, Bill was awarded the “2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services” by Virginia Governor, Glenn Youngkin, at the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. Of all these awards, the recognitions that he was most proud of were: “Bill” (in Cherie’s tone), “daddy,” and most recently, “Popaw.”

 Bill never met anyone with whom he did not share his faith. If asked how he was doing, his usual answer was, “blessed and highly favored.” He demonstrated the love of Christ in everything he did, and he often relied on his personal relationship with Christ to guide his decision-making. He was active in his church, Lebanon Community Fellowship, and was proud to be a part of the church family. Although there is great sorrow in his departure, he would want everyone here to be encouraged that he has reached his great reward – and that he will be waiting for us.

 Bill’s family is humbled by the outpouring of love that has been shown these past difficult days. From the calls and visits to the food and many prayers, the family is eternally grateful. A special thank you goes out to Bill’s care team at Johnson City Medical Center, including Drs. Trevor Clarkson and Kalli Devecki and the entire ICU nursing and clinical staff. An additional special thank you goes out to Bill’s chosen family who remained at his and Cherie’s side through this time: Scott and Betsy Brown; Anita Perry; Dr. Ken Turner; Janet Evans and Cathy Robins; Cody Jackson; Sara Davis; Dr. James Mitchell; Jackie Hackney; and the entire VSP Med-Flight II family. The family also would extend a heartfelt appreciation and ‘thank you’ for Pastor Justin Honaker of Lebanon Community Fellowship, whose presence, guidance, and compassion helped bring calm to a dire situation.

 To the many members in the public safety community with whom Bill taught, mentored, or interacted with – his family would ask that you keep his memory and his legacy in your heart as you go forward each day. Whether mentoring a new EMT student or spending a shift with your partner of many years, remember the kindness, compassion, and servitude that Bill carried with him. His ambition was rooted in ensuring the next generation of responders was equipped and ready; that torch has now been passed to you.

 Survivors include his wife Cherie Ferguson Akers; son, Nathaniel Robinson Akers and wife Makenzie; daughter, Bethany IsaBell Akers; sister, Patty Anne Johnson; grandchildren, Maylee Michelle Akers and Axton Robinson Akers; mother-in-law, Virginia Swain Ferguson, and countless nieces and nephews that loved him so.

 A celebration of life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024 at Lebanon Community Fellowship Church with Pastor Justin Honaker officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the church.

 Honorary pallbearers will be his golfing buddies and lifelong friends, Southwest Virginia Paramedic Program faculty, Virginia State Police MedFlight II pilots and crew, and the Lebanon Life Saving Crew. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lebanon Community Fellowship Church, 218 Highland Drive, Lebanon, VA. 24266, Lebanon Lifesaving Crew, P.O. Box 516, Lebanon, VA. 24266, or Isaiah House 117, P.O. Box 842, Elizabethton, TN. 27644-Memo-Russell County.

 Expressions of sympathy to the family can be made on our website at CHFunerals.com or on our Facebook page. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, VA. 24266, 276-889-4444.