Virgil "Gene" Adkins of Sherman, Texas went to be with his heavenly father on August 18th 2015 at the age of 70. Gene was born in Charleston, West Virginia on June 20th 1945 and accepted Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized in the Coal River. He along with his brother and father built their first home together out of cinder blocks .His sisters along with his mother Nora spoiled Gene , often climbing up and down the stairs to the basement bringing him the tools and supplies he needed; after all, he was the supervisor even then. Gene loved growing up in West Virginia where he hunted with his dad, fished, modified and raced cars around the dirt track. He talked about home often and his home was West Virginia.

He graduated St. Albans High School in 1964 and joined the United States Air Force in July of 1965. He went in standing six foot one inch weighing 175 pounds and stood 6 foot 6 inches weighing 245 when he got back from Vietnam. After returning from war he was stationed at Perrin Air force Base Denison, Texas and went on leave with some other air-men one night at Watsons Drive-In they spotted this beautiful girl and dared him to go talk to her - well he did, and he got her . Gene married that girl, Linda Jo Sutherland on April 6th 1968 and she blessed him with three beautiful children Angela, Brandon, and Stacia. He started working at Texas Instruments in 1969. While working there he obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree moving him into a supervisor's position. He led some research and development teams throughout his career. He later worked for MEMC and retired in 2001.

Gene was crafty in many areas and loved his wood working making family and friends various plaques, ornaments and yard fixtures. People would stop by and put their orders in so it kept him plenty busy; he just thought he was retired. He loved to fish, hunt and boy could he love to cook. He liked trying new recipes for all to enjoy on Sundays . Gene lived for Sundays, his family all gathered that day. He loved his family and especially his grandbabies. He was the taxi driver, baby sitter, chef and mentor to them all and they loved him. He was not only their Papa but Papa to all their friends as well. Gene was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Fly high with the angels "tall boy" you can now supervise all of us from there. WE LOVE YOU!!

Gene was preceded in death by his parents. Raymond and Nora Adkins, In-laws Elza and Allie Sutherland , sisters Wanda, Norma, Geraldine and his brother Roy. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Linda Adkins, and children Angela Adkins of Howe,TX. , Brandon Adkins of Whitesboro, TX., Stacia Adkins-Gard of Sherman, TX and Paul Gard of Dorchester, TX. Grandchildren, Miranda, Kayla and Jeremy Casteel all of Howe, TX. Tenley Jo Adkins of Anna, TX, Allie, Audrey and Shelby Gard of Dorchester, TX. and several nieces and nephews .

A memorial Service will be held at Waldo Funeral Home Sherman, TX .Sunday at 2pm August 23, 2015. The Family will receive friends from 1pm-2pm and after the service. Please come help us honor him.

Bible Verse Philippians 1-3 "I thank my God upon every Remembrance of you"

The online register can be signed at waldofuneralhome.com.