Billy Joe Akins
Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On March 30, 2023 @ 10:04 am In Obituaries | 11 Comments
Billy Joe Akins, 77, passed away peacefully Monday, March 27, 2023 with his family by his side.
Visitation: 1-3pm Sunday, April 2 at Lake Shore Funeral Home. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Billy Joe was born May 14, 1945 in Dallas. He was the beloved son of Raymond Lee and Gracie Mae Akins. He attended Justin F. Kimball High School in Dallas and in 1963 he joined the insulators union. On September 27, 1968, he married Marilyn Kemp. They soon made their way to Waco, where they would call home for the remainder of his life. He owned and operated Chaparral Insulation Co. for many years, later acquiring Lochridge-Priest Inc. He began enjoying retirement in 2016.
Billy Joe was known by several names to those that knew and loved him, Billy, B.J., Billy Bob Buck, Dad, Big Daddy and Big. He had a BIG personality with a BIG contagious laugh and BIG fashion sense. His heart was as big as his towering frame and he lived BIG. No matter the location, he was always the life of the party and the center of attention. He never met a stranger and his comedic timing was always on point. He loved to wear eccentric clothes all the while claiming he was “blending in” and “flying under radar”. His loves included classic rock, classic cars, hunting, cooking, travelling, Gunsmoke, playing 42, good wine, cold beer, being with friends, but most of all, being with family. He will live on, infamously, as our rock-n-roll hero who belted out tunes at every party and gathering. We will forever miss him but know that he is watching over us with Bud Light in hand, for his road goes on forever and his party will never end.
Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Leland Kemp; mother-in-law, Louise Kemp; and step-father, Ralph Day.
He is survived by his wife of 54+ years, Marilyn; daughters, Lisa Salganik and fiancé Greg Henry, Angie Makovy and husband Brent; son, David Akins and wife Amy; grandchildren, Kallan and Jaden Salganik, Madi, Landry and Makenna Makovy, Abigail and Dash Akins and Cambria and Jordan Henry.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital or charity of your choice.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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Condolences for the family of “Billy Joe Akins”
Lisa- We are so sorry for your loss of your dad. The Barak family has known the Akins for a very long time. Lisa & I becoming friends in early elementary school at China Spring, I still remember having sleep overs at the Akins & B.J. in his garage tinkering & playing music. He will be dearly missed by all those that loved him. We love you Lisa, Angie, David & Marilyn. Keep your loved ones close. Shelly & Beau Tyndall/ Barak family
He was bigger than life and we will be in our hearts and mind forever.
He was bigger than life and he will be in our hearts and mind forever.
To the Akins family, BJ was an amazing man. I remember as well many sleepovers, parties, elementary activities, high school activities and more at the Akin’s home growing up. BJ is going to be missed. BJ was always doing something in his garage and listening to music. Marilyn, Lisa, Angie, and David please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Miss you guys. Love, Shana Barak Whisenant, and Family.
To my dear friends, the Akins….I wish you peace and comfort. Billy Joe was a special guy. I still try to make my steaks and mushrooms turn out like his….but just can’t seem to do it. I will always have special memories of BJ and his magnetic personality.
So glad to have known B.J. Prayers to the Akins family.
The best friend and Legend I’ve ever been so honored to know. I will miss you Buck, always your, “little ricky” .
I knew BJ as a subcontractor, and as an employer, and as a friend. We have many fond memories of a big man and a big personality. He can now resume his lifelong friendship with his “Smitty”, and go insulate heaven. My heartfelt condolences to all of the Aikins family
BJ was a great man. He was always willing to help anybody and had a Big Heart. He will be missed by all . My condolences to the family as I know you will miss him as well. He is now in Heaven. God definitely has a place for BJ and his life long friend Smitty.
Our prayers and condolences to all the Akins family. May BJ rest in peace and may your fond memories carry you in this time of grief.
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I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for all of you.