Alvin "Billy" Wendell Adkins Sr.

May 2, 1951 - April 12, 2020

Alvin Wendell Adkins Sr., 68, of Charles City County, transitioned to his heavenly home on April 12, 2020. Alvin was born on May 2, 1951 to Garland and Emma Adkins. Through the years, Alvin acquired a few different nicknames. His family and co-workers referred to him by his childhood nickname, Billy. Later in life, he was also known as Al Monday, Monday, and Hawkblade. At an early age, Alvin accepted Christ and was a member of Little Elam Baptist Church. He graduated from Ruthville high school in 1969. After high school, he worked for Dixie Container. Alvin was later called to serve in the U.S. Army Field Artillery Branch as a M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Crewman. The majority of his career was spent working at ViaSystems (previously Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies) for 24 years. Alvin later earned a certificate in automotive care from Richmond Technical Center as a certified ASE Automotive Service Professional. He loved mechanic work, and would often help family and friends with their automotive issues. Alvin and his wife Loretta established Glory Maid Services in 2002. Glory Maid began as a residential cleaning service and grew to include commercial services and outdoor maintenance. They owned and operated this company for 18 years. Alvin spent almost 45 years with the love of his life, whom he affectionately called “Lo”. During that time, they worked side-by-side with each other at ViaSystems and Glory Maid and built a strong legacy through their family. His love for Lo, their kids, and grandchildren was unmatched. He always ensured that Lo had what she needed and that each child and grandchild was spoiled in their own way. He made sure he had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren and they all ran toward him with open arms when they saw him. It was no surprise to see him rolling on the floor with the grandkids, or them riding on his lap on the zero-turn mower or the tractor. Alvin loved helping others in any way he could. He also had a passion for spending time with family and friends, motorcycles, fishing, music, making his famous batches of homemade wine, muscle cars, performance engines, and any sport where high horsepower was involved. On typical occasions you could find him, playing his harp (as he called his harmonica), listening to southern soul and blues music, at the race track, relaxing or tinkering with something in his garage, playing with his grandchildren, or hanging out with his sidekick Alvin Jr “BJ”. In some translations, Alvin means noble or wise friend and in others, it means loved by all. Alvin lived up to both of these meanings. He had a keen ability to strike up conversations and make friends easily. People of all ages considered him easy to talk to and fun to be around. Alvin was a true example of love. He had a special way of making people feel good about themselves and brightening their day. He expressed love unconditionally, and had no problem telling family and friends that he loved them. He will forever be remembered for his loving nature, skills as an auto mechanic, storytelling, fish frying, and famous phrase…. “Aiiiiiiiinnnt IT!” Alvin’s was preceded in death by his parents Garland and Emma Adkins, brother Renard Adkins, father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles and Hallie Christian, brother-in-law Charles Jerome Christian, and sister-in-law Judy Adkins. His memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Loretta; children Consuelo Adkins-Tyler (Lewis), Shauntele “Vina” Howell (Craig), Alvin “BJ” Adkins, Jr. (Fern); grandchildren, Lance, Wynter, Gia, Alvin III, Phoebe, Ivy, Fallon, Allison, and Aila; goddaughter, Shayna Crewe; siblings, Garland Adkins, Jr. (Marie), Rosetta Barnes (Waverly), Sharon Adkins, and Kathy Charles (Robert); sisters-in-law Kathleen Moran, Janice Carlton, and Charmesha Cousins, brother-in-law Annais Christian, devoted cousins Darus Jones and Daniel Wallace, Jr. “Drak”, devoted niece and nephew Catina Jones and Renard Adkins, Jr., and a host of other relatives and friends. The family has planned a private burial on Tuesday, April 21 at Mount Calvary Church International in Providence Forge, VA. A memorial celebration will be hosted at a later date.