Douglas Adkins

Douglas (Doug) McArthur Adkins, 82, of Columbia Tennessee, passed away on July 23, 2025 surrounded by family.

Born in Charleston / Campbells Creek, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Charlie and Madeline (Moore) Adkins.

He served in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic in the elite Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the squadron that operates Marine One. He spent his professional career with GTE in St. Maries and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho as a telephone technician. He retired at the tender age of fifty and made his home in Tennessee.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, and his morning coffee on the porch with his beloved wife.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Gweneth (Gwen) Sue Adkins and his two children: son Greg Adkins (wife Kim of Nashville, Tennessee) and daughter Renee Tate (husband Monte of Rolla, Missouri). Doug had three grandchildren: Zach Tate, Cheyenne Tate, Abbey Adkins and two great grandchildren: Julian and Meadow Johnson. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Adkins and by 9 sisters and 5 brothers.

Doug never met a stranger and will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm CT on Sunday, August 3, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 pm with Military Honors at Heritage Funeral Home located at 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia TN.

Memorial donations may be made to: Marine Corps Association Foundation, 715 Broadway Street, Quantico, VA 22134 – https://www.mca-marines.org/ or Maury County chapter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for First Responders and Veterans at https://t2t.org/donate/