Wayne Merrill Akins

Wayne Merrill Akins of Peachtree Corners passed away at the age of 70 on April 8, 2023. His passing was peaceful and marked the end of his three-year battle with cancer.

Wayne was born on November 28, 1952, to Royal and Mary Akins. He graduated from Lithonia High School in 1970 and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia in 1974. In 1984, he earned his Master’s Degree from Mercer University.  He enjoyed a long and successful career in information technology, starting off as a computer programmer and eventually moving into data architecture. He retired in 2018.

Never one to hold still, after retirement he enjoyed volunteering at the Georgia Aquarium and later at the Fox Theatre. He also continued to serve faithfully at his church, Peachtree Corners Baptist, where he has been an active member for 35 years.

Wayne was an outdoor enthusiast who spent much of his time hiking and camping. In 2019, he had one of his greatest adventures when, at the age of 66, he flew to Tanzania and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. He also enjoyed running and completed the Peachtree Road Race twenty-five years in a row, from 1983 to 2007.

Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Royal Akins and his sister, Donna Rice. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Debbie Akins; his children, Amy Jarvis and husband Vic, and Ben Akins and wife Katie; his grandchildren Carson, Jamie, Caleb, Everett, Eila, and Liz; his mother, Mary Voncille Akins; his brother, Joe Akins and wife Patricia; and his sister, Nancy Akins.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 1pm at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. The family will welcome friends at the church prior to the service starting at noon. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the National Parks Conservation Association.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.