Paul Akin

It is with profound sorrow but also unending gratitude that we announce the passing of Paul Nathan Akin, Sr. on May 23, 2026.

A vibrant husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Paul was born on February 11, 1939, to Pauline Gaines Akin and Nathan Hezekiah Akin in Arp, Tennessee. Paul lived a full and energetic life marked by constant exploration, persistent joy, and above all, kindness and honesty.

Paul believed in education from a young age. At age 16, he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle across the highway; He still finished his sophomore year — in a body cast. At age 18, with the help of his brothers, Paul built a car to drive to college at UT Martin. When they didn't offer the full four-year degree in Civil Engineering, he transferred to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. It was there he met his wife, Dorothy Ann Koger. When he called to ask her out, she said "yes" thinking it was his roommate calling. She hid her surprise when he came to pick her up, which was a good decision; The couple would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 16, 2026.

Dot and Paul raised three children and four adoring grandchildren. He was as playful with his 4-year-old granddaughter, Billie, on the last day of his life as he was 19 years earlier when he became a grandpa to Hall, who gave him the beloved nickname of "P-Paul."

Professionally, Paul had a long, successful career in construction. His first job was working on the Liberty Bowl sign in Memphis for S&W Construction. He would go on to run bigger projects, including Baptist Hospital and the Redbirds Stadium (AutoZone Park) in Memphis, as well as the Center for the Performing Arts at Ole Miss. When he retired, he was Vice President at Inman Construction, respected as much by his partners as the workers on the job site, many of whom he knew by name. Still, after four decades in the business, his family knew his favorite profession was not engineering; It was farming, which is why he will be laid to rest on one of his favorite farms.

Paul's legacy will be carried on by his wife, Dorothy Ann, their children, Paul Nathan Akin Jr., Martin Gaines Akin, and Ashley Akin Brantley, along with their respective spouses, Molly Akin, Sarah Akin, and Barrett Brantley. He was a proud and cheerful grandfather to Hall, Ruthie, Charlotte and Billie. Paul leaves behind his brothers, Nubby and Stewart Akin, and sisters, Patsy Akin Smith and Brenda Akin Glenn.

Paul brought genuine curiosity and warmth to every encounter. He was as comfortable talking to folks on the farm in Ripley where he grew up as he was chatting with "the boys" at the "Shell" station, asking after a neighbor's kids, or striking up a conversation with a stranger, which he did often.

We invite you to join us for services in Paul's honor on May 30, 2026, at the First Christian Church of Byrdstown. Visitation is at noon and the funeral is at 1:00 p.m. with a small graveside service to follow at The Groce Cemetery. After the burial, the family invites all family, friends, and acquaintances (of whom Paul had many) to a celebration of life. Visit the family-run website to learn more: https://everloved.com/life-of/paul-akin/ 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Kids Clinic in honor of Paul's generous spirit and his daughter, Ashley's, long-time devotion to the cause. Find details and donate here: https://everloved.com/life-of/paul-akin/donate/?flow=201 

We hope you remember Paul Akin like we do: As a man who lived with strength, fairness, joy, kindness, and unending devotion to the ones he loved.