Charles Frankie Akers, age 74, of Kimberly, AL passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Charles was born in Haleyville and lived in Guin until he was 12 years old, then moved to Birmingham with sister Betty and her family. Betty's children were about Charles' age. They were like sisters and brother instead of uncle and nephew and nieces. When Charles was 16, they moved to Savannah, but he stayed in Birmingham. He got a job at Liberty Super Market at night, and went to school in the day. He lived in a boarding house and the lady who ran it was very strict about all the boarders being there on time for dinner, but she would keep him a plate warm for him to eat when he got home from work at night.

After Liberty closed, he got a job at Mass Merchandizers, which was later bought out by McKesson. Charles and his wife, Pat, met when they worked together at McKesson. In 1995, he went to work at Highlander Foodland as the store director, where he was still employed until his death. He loved his job and the employees and customers there. It would make him feel so good when a customer would tell him that he was missed when he would be out sick. Charles would go to work even when he couldn't get down stairs by himself. He would tell the home health nurse that his goal was to get back to work.

Before his health got so bad, Charles loved to cut the grass and he loved to tend to his garden. he didn't want to give it up, but he didn't have a choice. Charles loved to watch westerns on TV and play games on his iPad. He loved his daughters, Kristi and Stacey, and his grandchildren, and he loved Pat's sons, Michael and Shaun, and their children. Charles read the Bible every night. He had it on his iPad and he would follow along as the speaker would read it. Charles loved his Alabama football. During football season, you could always find him in his recliner watching the football game! He also enjoyed watching Nascar with Shaun on Sunday afternoon.

Pat and the family would like to thank those who have prayed for him for so long, and the volunteers at the center that were always willing to help when needed. We would also like to thank the Kimberly Fire Department's EMT's for always being there for us. A special thanks for friends and neighbors, and the Foodland folks who have brought food for the family. A special thanks to Wade Payne, Charles' district Manager, for all he has doen for both Charles and Pat. Also, thanks to Robert, Angela, and Jenny, as well as all the employees that have kept things going at the store during his illness. Jenny would even offer to come get him and bring him home if he couldn't drive. Charles would like to be remembered as a man who would do his best to help anyone in need.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, James Gid Akers and Lillie Akers Cantrell; stepson, Cary Tolbert; and sisters, Drexal Pate, Nell Kelly, and Betty Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Akers; daughters, Kristi Cobb and Stacey Filadora; stepsons, Michael and Shaun Tolbert; as well as 4 grandchildren and 7 step-grandchildren.

A visitation for Charles will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home on Thursday, July 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Committal service and nterment to follow at Warrior Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Michael Tolbert, Shaun Tolbert, Wade Payne, Robert Gotherd, James, and J.C. Honeycutt