Donnie Adkins, 84, of Ypsilanti, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was born in Dorton, Kentucky on November 7, 1938, son of the late Joy Adkins (Greer) and Sid Adkins. Donnie left home at a young age and came to Michigan to get a job at Ford as an assembly line worker. He moved up the ladder quickly as foreman, then general foreman. He retired from Wayne Assembly in 1985 after 31 years. He owned a body shop, loved working on cars, hunting, snowmobiling and loved his 1976 Ford Thunderbird.

Later on, Donnie enjoyed working on lawn mowers and snow blowers almost as much as he enjoyed drinking coffee and spending his mornings with the late John Butler and Dave Ostrowski. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered for always having an open door for visitors. Donnie is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Ellen, and their cherished dog, Simba, his children, Donnie Dwayne (Colleen) Adkins of Pinckney, MI, Cindy (Jim) Paschal of Sandy, UT, Sheryl (Randy) Wilson of Brighton, MI; his grandchildren, Lauren (Amber), Nick (Natalie), Jacki (Andrew), Lindsay (Bobby), Ally (Jae), and his pride and joy, his great-grandson, Nick, Jr.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ruby, Linda, Samantha, Nina, Glen, Leon, and Doug. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Charles, Jimmy, Larry, Cletus, Sidney, Kenny, and Wayne, and his sister, Glenda.

Visitation will take place at New Life Bible Baptist Church at 1175 S. Grove, Ypsilanti, on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 beginning at 11:00am until time of funeral service at 6:30 pm and will be officiated by Pastor Robert Mack. Arrangements entrusted to Stark Funeral Professionals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Bible Baptist Church.