James Bruce Adkins

James Bruce Adkins, 84, died Wednesday night at his home in Laurel Grove, VA. He passed after years of declining health and is now at peace.

He was born in Sago, VA, to David Crockett Adkins and Fannie Gibson Adkins. One of eight children, he is survived by his brothers and their spouses: Bill and Betty Adkins, Emmett and Dorothy Adkins, Riley and Sandra Adkins; and David and Kathy Adkins; his sisters, Irene Tuck and Carolyn Falls, as well as his sister-in-law Joy Adkins. He is predeceased by his brother, Buddy Adkins. On October 10th, 1958, he married Polly Brooks Adkins, and remained married to her until her passing in 2021.

JB (as he was known to his family and friends) was a life-long hard worker. He worked as an independent farmer, as well as for RC Cola and Dan River Mills. He was one of the first 100 workers when Goodyear opened in Danville and was employed there until his retirement after 32 years. In his free time he was an avid raccoon hunter and a great frequenter of blue grass festivals, as well as a massive fan of the Atlanta Braves. He was a long-time member of Laurel Grove Baptist Church.

JB is survived by his three children and their spouses: Julia and Johnny Burchett; Debra and Teddy Bass; and Kia and Troy Hawker. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: Travis and Kelly Rowland; Jamie and Alex Watkins; Jonathon and Michalla Burchett; Tia and Corey Crumpton; and Morgan Hawker; as well his great-grandchildren Gavin Rowland, Cobin Rowland, Caleb Watkins, Mason Rowland, Xander Watkins, and Levi Crumpton. His great-grandchildren will be joined by Lane Crumpton this July.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 11th, at Laurel Grove Baptist Church from 2 to 3 PM, and will be followed immediately by the memorial service. The family will be at Debra’s house at 221 Dogpatch Ln. and would like to thank their friends and neighbors for their love and support. They ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Laurel Grove Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of your choice.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Adkins family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.