William English Akin III (Bill Akin) passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 10th, 2025. Bill was born on January 9th, 1940, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to William English Akin Jr. and Doris Deuberry Akin.
He attended White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Ann Adair. After high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Memphis and reunited with Carolyn. They were married in November 1962. Bill and Carolyn had two children: Andrea Beatty (Barry) and William English Akin IV “Rusty” (Michelle).
He earned his undergraduate degree from Memphis State University, continued his studies at Peabody, and pursued his master’s degree at Vanderbilt University. Life then took him to Northern Virginia, where he completed his master’s at Johns Hopkins University. Later, he resumed his studies toward a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia and ultimately completed his coursework for his doctorate in 2022.
A pioneer in the field of computer science in Nashville, Bill’s distinguished career took him to Washington, D.C., Charleston, South Carolina, and finally back to Memphis, Tennessee, where he retired with Carolyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carolyn Adair Akin; and his brother, Joseph Wilse Akin. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Andrea A. Beatty (Barry) and William E. “Rusty” Akin IV (Michelle); his grandchildren, William E. Akin V “Will” and Carson James Akin; and sisters-in-law Mary Anne, Linda, and Anna Margaret.
He is also survived by brothers-in-law Rick, Bill, and John; cousins Greg Deuberry and Doris Elain Litton; nieces JoEllyn (Todd), Kristyn, and Anna Kathryn (Colby); nephews Chad (Arwen), Chris, and David (Jennifer); great-nieces Riley, Chloe, Avery, Emma, and Ellen; great-nephews Will and Elliot; and great-great-nephews Caiden, Kyzer, and Keagan; lifelong friends, Meg Robertson, and Ike Rosenbaum.
Graveside services will be scheduled later this summer at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned & operated burial & cremation provider.
This obituary was published by Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services.
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This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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