J. Frank Adkins
J. “Frank” Adkins, 84, of Signal Mountain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. He had suffered for many years with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born on Nov. 24, 1933, and graduated from Central High School. Frank was a welder and pipefitter until 1964, when he started in the optical supply business. In April 1979, he founded A&M Optical, and then opened Vision Masters Optical in 1984. He was an elder at Calvary Bible Church. Frank was a member of the Jaycee’s, past president and member for many years of Signal Mountain Lions Club, member and board member of Opticians Association of Tennessee and Optical Laboratories of America. He was instrumental in starting the Mobile Optical Lab for Remote Area Medical. He was a member of the Alhambra Shrines.
He could fix and repair almost anything, friends and family were always bringing things over for him to weld back together or to build from scratch with his homemade clay pot welder. Due to his love for NASCAR and need for speed, he was on a first-name basis with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He truly loved supporting his family at sporting events, even traveling several hours out of town to watch games. Frank was loved and very much respected by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. B. and Ruby Connor Adkins; brother, Wayne Connor Adkins.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Underwood “Nanny” Adkins; children, J. Scott (Casi) Adkins and Ty Wayne (Beth) Adkins. He was affectionately known as “Gaga” to his six grandchildren, Lauren (Tim) Smith, Hunter Adkins, Austin Adkins, Garrett Adkins, Jenny (Daniel) Walker and Blake Coddington; three great-grandchildren, Elijah, Jude and Addison; sister-in-law, Helen Adkins; several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 12-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Frank will follow at 3 p.m. on Friday at the North Chapel with his grandson-in-law, Reverend Tim Smith officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, at www.parkinsons.orgor Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416 or www.hospiceofchattanooga.org.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.