ADKINS Reverend Edward Adkins, age 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, August 10, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was first and foremost a man of faith who devoted his life to leading others to Christ. He was a man of honor and integrity who earned respect by his deeds. As a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he provided a solid foundation, consistent guidance, and unconditional love to his family. He was a humble and selfless man who put the needs of others before himself even until the end. Graduating from God's Bible School, Reverend Adkins went on to serve in the ministry as an Evangelist and Pastor for over 50 years. He founded the Bible Community Church in 1972 where he served as a faithful Shepherd over his flock for 36 years. His faith, his insight, and his determination inspired all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and his church family. He was preceded in death by parents Charles and Maggie Adkins, brothers Herbert, Curtis, Earl, and Oakley Adkins and daughter Amy R. Adkins. He is survived by loving and devoted wife, Dorinda Jean (Arledge) Adkins; sons, Robert (Vicky) Adkins, Pastor Michael (Martha) Adkins, Timothy (Mary) Adkins; daughters, Sandra K. Adkins, Cindy (Rodney) Asbury, Sherry L. Adkins, Beth (Thomas) Whittington, Angela (Robert) Schneider; brother, James Adkins; sisters, Sada Long, Anna (Herb) Davis; 21 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Monk and his staff, Lisa, Kelly, and Paulette for their diligence, compassion, and support. Contributions can be made in Reverend Adkins's honor to, Bible Community Church, 3880 Clime Road, Columbus, OH 43228. Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Bible Community Church with Evangelist Randy Perry and Pastor Thom Barker officiating, with interment to follow at the Alton Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14, 2008 from 1-8 p.m. at the Bible Community Church. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.schoedinger.com. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

Published in The Columbus Dispatch from August 12 to August 13, 2008