Henry Mansfield Akin III

Henry M. Akin, III

August 1, 1948 - October 4, 2026

Henry (Hank) Mansfield Akin, III (78) of Jacksonville, NC went to his heavenly home on Sunday, October 4th, at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern, North Carolina, surrounded by his family.

Hank was born on August 1, 1948 to his parents, Henry Mansfield Akin, Jr. and Claudia Brown Akin. He graduated from Madison High School (1966) in Madison, TN and attended Cumberland College and the University of Tennessee. Hank served in the United States Army (1967-1971) in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. His passion was photography. He started his photography career as a combat photographer in Vietnam. He later became a school photographer with Delmar National Studios, owning the franchise for Tennessee and southern Kentucky. He photographed school children, sports teams, yearbook pictures and weddings and worked with the schools to produce their yearbooks. He loved making people smile and giving families the gift of memories to cherish. He later pursued commercial photography, and in retirement his favorite pastime was spending a day with friends capturing God’s beautiful world and creatures on film.

Hank will be most remembered for his sense of humor. It was his mission to make you laugh and to feel as if you were the only person that mattered when you were in his presence. He loved cooking, fishing, coin collecting, 70’s music, movies, ping pong, magic and card tricks, and games with family and friends. His home was your home and everyone was welcome at his table. Beyond his jovial demeanor was a man of deep faith and commitment to his Savior. He loved the family of God and served as a S.S. teacher at Cool Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, VA. You could count on him to always stand for right. He always believed the best in everyone he met. His children and grandchildren were his delight and pride and joy!

Hank is survived by his wife, Carol Fisher Akin, of 53.5 years, his children: Cherie Julia (Jamie) Fuqua of Mechanicsville, VA, Jason Brent Akin of Chesterfield, VA, Jeffrey Brandon (Leah) Akin of San Diego, CA, and Joshua Bryan (Amberlyn) Akin of Jacksonville, NC; and a “bonus son” Jason S. (Beth) Whitehead of Murfreesboro, TN; his grandchildren Chadwick Tyler Tomczak of Mechanicsville, VA, Macey Ann Tomczak of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Alexandra (Allie) Joy Tomczak of Mechanicsville, VA, William Thomas Akin of Chesterfield, VA, Lorelei Jean Akin of San Diego, CA, Grant James Akin of San Diego, CA, Jensen Bradley Akin and Colton Legend Akin of Jacksonville, NC. He is survived by his brother Robert Lewis (Darlene) Akin (76) of Madison, TN. He was also dearly loved by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Heather Dawn Akin, and his brothers Richard Claude (Betty) Akin and Andrew Edward (Tanya) Akin.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at Cool Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, VA in the main auditorium on Saturday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guests in the side parlor at 10:00.

Other memorial tributes:

Sunday, November 1, there will be a memorial tribute to Hank at his home church, Maranatha Baptist Church on Onsville Road in Jacksonville, NC. in the evening service.

Thursday, December 3, Kerry and Latrelle Pharr will host a musical tribute to Hank at their television studio in Dixon, TN. Carol and Jason and Beth Whitehead will be in attendance. As there is only seating for 40, please contact Kerry Pharr at kwpharr@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

Hank’s remains will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery in approximately two years; Family plans to be in attendance for the official military honors. A notice will be posted for interested friends.