Charles R. Akins

Charles Richard "Rick" Akins, born August 16, 1947, in Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2023, in Rio Rancho, NM, at the age of 75. Rick was the son of Earl and Cleo Akins. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1965 and furthered his education at the Oklahoma School of Business, majoring in accounting. In 1966, Rick joined the U.S. Army, serving as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War in 1967 and 1968. His service was a testament to his courage, commitment, bravery, and dedication to his country, qualities that he carried throughout his life. Rick met the love of his life, Rosamond McPhee Stout, in Tulsa in 1993. They married in 1995, sharing 30 years together, filled with love and partnership. In 1996, Don Chalmers invited Rick to join his start-up management team at Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, where Rick remained until his retirement in 2013. Rick and Roz built a wonderful life in Rio Rancho, the city they came to love, enriched by countless beloved and cherished friends, both near and far. Rick's successful 40-year career in the automobile industry was not only his livelihood, but also his passion. Rick enjoyed collecting and perfecting classic cars, his last such prized autos including his 1965 GTO, 1965 Mustang Fastback 2+2, and 2010 Corvette Convertible Grand Sport (red, of course). He also was an avid motorcyclist from the age of 15, owning a number of "decked out" Harley Davidsons throughout his adult years. Rick was always an active member of his community. Rick and Roz attended Calvary Church of Albuquerque. Rick joined Rotary in Tulsa in 1985, and continued in Rio Rancho where he was named Rio Rancho Rotarian of the Year in 1997-98 and 2011-12. Rick served as Rotary International District Governor from 2004-2005, District 5520. Rick was a member and past president of both the Rio Rancho Noon Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary Club. He was a member of the Bequest Society, the Paul Harris Society and is a namesake of the Sunrise Rotary Club's annual DeGroot-Akins Nursing Scholarship Gala. Rick was a beloved father and grandfather. Friends and family will remember Rick as a man of integrity, kindness, love, and wisdom. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished always. Rick is survived by his beloved wife Roz; son John Paul Akins and wife Danielle of Sapulpa, OK; daughter Beth Akins of Tulsa, OK; and step-daughter Debbie Mitchell and husband Robert of Tahlequah, OK. Surviving grandchildren include Tyler, Addison, Jacob and Devina Akins; Kaelin Mitchell; and Lauren Helms and husband Jace; all in OK. Rick also is survived by sisters Helen Clark of Tulsa and Cheryl Parsons and husband Randy of Cuenca, Ecuador. A public visitation and funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 17, at Calvary Church, 4001 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM. The viewing will begin at 2:00 pm, and the funeral will be at 3:00 pm. Rick's funeral service and burial in Tulsa will be on Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 am at Moore Funeral Home Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51 St, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Rick's honor to the following: Samaritan's Purse or Rio Rancho Rotary Sunrise Foundation, ? Rio Rancho Rotary Sunrise Club, P.O. Box 44606, Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Donations to the foundation directly support grants awarded through the DeGroot-Akins Nursing Scholarship Gala.

Charles R. Akins

August 16, 1947 - August 9, 2023