Herbert Lloyd “Buddy” Adkins, 81, of Lyburn, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 27, 2023, leaving from his earthly home.

Born January 19, 1942, at Verdunville, WV, he was a son of the late Arthur “Bodie” and Marie Lawson Adkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard “Dick” Adkins and Benny Adkins; one sister, Phyllis Loraine; one sister-in-law, Billie Jo Adkins; four brothers-in-law, Freddy Mullins, Bobby Jarrels, Duke Jonas, and Roger Ellis; and a special nephew, Neil Adkins.

Buddy was a decorated Vietnam Veteran in the United States Army who served his country with great honor. Most importantly, he was a soldier in God’s Mighty Army in battle for many long years, and you could often find him fighting those battles on his knees in prayer. He was an avid guitarist in many churches, singing the songs of Zion longing for home, and in many early morning phone calls you could hear him with a guitar or playing the piano and singing about Heaven and Home.

Buddy loved his truck, gardening, and working with his hands always keeping busy. Every family dinner was always special. Enjoying his family gathered around the table was one of his favorite times, and every meal began with prayer and thankfulness for the one who provided it and the hands that prepared it. Buddy was highly favored and loved his heavenly father, and if he were here today he would wants us to know he was blessed with a long life and a beautiful family, and he was ready to go home, leaving these old dirt roads for streets of gold. He would say, “Lord, I’m ready to go home.”

Buddy is survived by his wife, Avalee Joan Adkins, who never left his side; his children, Bryan (Angel) Adkins, Jeanine Wells Adkins, Amy Adkins, and Alethea Irene (John) Tomblin, Sr.; five grandchildren, Craig Aaron Sparks, Rylee Jeanine Tomblin, Joshua (Jerica) Sparks, and John Luke and Tyler; three great-grandchildren, Callen, Rowen, and Quinley Sparks; his siblings, Donna “Sissy” Jonas, Joy Ellis, Dora (Richard) Johnson, Billy (Susie) Adkins, Doris Ann Adkins, and Orville Adkins; three sisters-in-law, Avis Jane (Hobert) Morgan, Catherine Adkins, and Doris Runyon Adkins; one brother-in-law, Anthony Maxie; his very much loved special family, Beatrice Varney, Missy Varney, and Rev. Joe Sparks; and his loyal friend until the end and his beloved canine companion, Sam, with whom accompanied him on many adventures. Additionally, Buddy leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews along with his extended family and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Shining Light United Baptist Church at Chapmanville, WV, with Pastor Ricky Adkins and Rev. Billy Adkins officiating.

Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill, WV. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Shining Light United Baptist Church at Chapmanville, WV, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to services Monday.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.