Oct. 24, 1949 - March 30, 2026
Mr. Ronnie E. Adkins, Sr., age 76, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Navicent Health in Macon, surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
A memorial service was held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Gray Memorial Chapel, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia, with a visitation for family and friends beginning at 12:00 noon and services followed at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend Gary Thomas and Reverend Adam Bray officiated.
Interment followed at Elam Memorial Gardens.
Ronnie was born on October 24, 1949, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Steve Adkins and Sarah Thomaston Adkins. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, John Franklin Adkins, Michael Adkins, Patsy Barfield, and Joyce Wrye.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ronnie faithfully served his country during the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He was a devoted member of Elam Baptist Church and a man of unwavering faith.
Ronnie lived his life as close to God as one could, placing his faith above all else and striving daily to serve both his Lord and those around him.
He will be remembered as a kind-hearted, gracious, and patient man who deeply loved his family. Ronnie found great joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.
Whether gardening, woodworking, fishing, or hunting, he embraced the simple pleasures of life and shared them with those he loved.
Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who led his family by example— teaching them the meaning of love, hard work, and faith. He believed in providing for and guiding his family according to God’s will, and his legacy will live on through the values he instilled in them.
He also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for bringing laughter to others. Ronnie enjoyed making people smile and was known for his natural, situational wit that could brighten any room. His family was his greatest source of joy, and the time spent with them brought him endless happiness.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Evelyn Adkins; his sister, Eleanor Tanner; his daughter, Tonya (Thomas) Payne; and his son, Ronnie Adkins Jr. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Stephen (Sara) Payne and Stephanie Payne, and his beloved great-granddaughter, McKinley Payne, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronnie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
