William F. Adkins, Jr., known to many as Billy, Coach, or the Colonel, gained his heavenly home on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at age 75. Billy passed peacefully with his family at his bedside at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church (830 N. Jones Avenue in Rock Hill, SC). Visitation will be held from 12-2 PM prior to the service which will begin at 2:00 PM. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Grandview Memorial Park (401 Hollis Lakes Road in Rock Hill).

Billy was born on July 11, 1949 in Rock Hill, SC; he grew up in the same town and graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1967. His lifelong and renewed friendships with fellow Bearcats from the Class of '67 were dear to him. He enjoyed spending time with his classmates and helping plan class reunions. Billy joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968, served in the Vietnam War from '68-'69, and was honorably discharged in 1970. He served most of his military career in the United States Army National Guard and Reserves retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Education was also a cornerstone of Billy's life. He attended Montreat College, graduated from Winthrop College with a BA in Business Administration, received a Master's in Education from SC State University, and, recently completed a doctoral degree in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University.

Billy worked in construction in his early career and found his true calling educating and mentoring young people as a high school teacher and coach. He taught building construction, geometry, and weightlifting at Indian Land High School from the mid-80's to late 90's. Coach Adkins served as the defensive coordinator for varsity football, the head coach of the baseball team, and coached junior varsity girls basketball. He truly loved the work he did and cherished becoming part of the Indian Land community for the remainder of his life. Later in his career, Billy also taught at Buford High School and finished his professional career at Clover High School.

In retirement, Billy enjoyed many different hobbies including fishing, scuba diving, frequenting his favorite restaurants, shopping, and traveling. He always tried to draw on his life experience to help others he encountered who were in need. He helped fellow military veterans, took mission trips to Nicaragua, and taught Sunday School. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the American Legion (Frank Roach Post 304) and the Marine Corps League of Rock Hill, SC.

Billy was predeceased by his loving parents, William F. Adkins, Sr. (Bill) and Audrey (Baker) Adkins, and his youngest daughter, Tyler Nicole Adkins. He is survived by his brother, Fred of Rock Hill and his children, Amanda (Mandi & Russell) Pate of York, Victoria (Tori & Michael) Charles of Rock Hill, William F. Adkins, III (Tripp) of York, and William F. (Billy & Melanie) Adkins of Richburg. He was loved by his many grandchildren, Cadin (Becca) Alvarado, Abriel (Phillip) Aguilar, and Austin (Angela) Pate, Caitlin (Kevin) Hunter; Brie-Anna and Noah Charles; William F. Adkins, IV (Will), Mason, and Audra Adkins; Briella McCorkle, Audriana and Kamila Adkins and his great-grandchildren Alec Charles, Aerilyn Adcock-Alvarado, Mayven and Hampton Pate, and JJ Hunter.

He was grateful to have a final visit with his beloved dog, Beau, and to know that Beau has found the best forever home.

Donations in his memory may be made to a Veterans Organization or Charity such as Mission 22, Fisher House Foundation, Homes for Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, or Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill.