Eddie Adkins, Jr.

Eddie Adkins, Jr., 74, of Cleveland, NC, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Eddie was born in Harrison, West Virginia, Clay County on Tuesday, May 13, 1947. He moved with his mom and siblings to Charlotte, NC when he was 7 years old. Eddie started working one of his first jobs at 14, selling newspapers and city maps in uptown. Eddie married his wife, Judy, on July 9, 1965. He worked nights through high school at the Park and Shop and with the help of his wife, was able to graduate from West Mecklenburg High School. He then started working at Baker Equipment as a metal fabricator where he quickly became department supervisor for 14 years. In September 1979, Eddie made the decision to venture out on his own by purchasing a new blue and silver 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which he still owns and officially started his company, Adkins Truck Equipment Co. With one employee, determination, and ambition, he gradually grew the company over 42 years to what it is today. Eddie valued and cared for all of his employees like his own family and now employs 65 hard-working and dedicated people of which the majority of them have been there for over 15 years and even some over 30. He has been a mentor and has impacted the lives of many throughout the years. Outside of work, Eddie enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and spending time with family and lifelong friends, whom he loved. Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Rushing Adkins, his children Dana Adkins Annas (Randy), DeeAnn Adkins Hager (Derrick), and Brian Scott Adkins (Melissa), his grandchildren Timothy Scott Adkins (Katie), Grayson Scott Annas, Hannah Lane Annas, Lathan Reid Hager, Lane Brian Adkins. Also, one great-grandson, Kayden James Scott Adkins. Eddie is also survived by his brother, James Darrell Adkins (Barbara) and sister, Brenda Ruppe Winslow and many beloved nieces and nephews. Eddie was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis June Lewis Langford and his sister, Judy Adkins Brown. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to either the hospice organization that cared for him during his battle with pancreatic cancer, Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. The family is planning a Celebration of Life, date to be determined, in the spring of 2022. Arrangements by Tribute & Tallent Funeral & Cremations, Statesville, NC.