Ray "Shorty" Akins

May 9, 1922 - November 14, 2012

Ray Akins, known to most as Shorty, passed away November 14, 2012 at his residence at the age of 90 years. Ray was born May 9, 1922 in Redford, MO a son of the late Louis Oliver and Millie Jane (Thomas) Akins. Ray and his wife Fay Viola Johnson were married for sixty-five years. They were united in marriage on March 27, 1947. To this union two daughters were born; Sharon Kay Strange of Hillsboro, MO and Sheila Fay and husband Frank Cameron of Ironton, MO. Also Surviving are two brothers; Robert Akins of Fenton, MO and Richard Akins of Bunker, MO, two sisters; Trudy Burns of High Ridge, MO and Donna Smith of Bunker, MO, step-mother, Inez Akins of Bunker, MO, 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Ray was preceded in death by four brothers; Armon, Hubert, and Louis "Jr" Akins, and Donald Hayes, and a son-in-law Wesley Strange. Ray served his country in the United States Army during WWII and was awarded three Bronze Stars. He was a member of the Pilot Knob First Baptist Church, VFW Post in Arnold, MO, and was an active member of the Graniteville Community Cemter.