Erie W. "Big John" Adkins, 99 of Upland, passed away peacefully Sunday May 15, 2022 at Summers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Hilldale.

Born December 12, 1922 in Hinton, he was the son of the late Seldon C. and Maude B. Wiseman Adkins.

Mr. Adkins was a retired supervisor for the WV Department of Highways. Everyone knew him as the "grader man", as no one could run a grader like him. He had his own construction company as long as his health permitted and was a lifelong farmer.  He was a US Army veteran of World War II who fought for our country. Mr. Adkins was a member of First Christian Church in Hinton and attended Elk Knob Baptist Church. He loved the Lord above all else and went to church up until the last few months when he became too weak.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ida Irene Adkins; one son, Darrell W. Adkins; one step-son, Larry W. McBride; five brothers, Dempsey, Donny, Murrell, Badie and Dorsey Adkins and one sister, Dicie M. Adkins.

Survivors include two sons, Wilfred Adkins and Vicent Adkins and wife Wanda, both of Hinton; 14 grandchildren, Aaron Adkins (Beth), Chris Adkins (Leighette), Kevin Adkins, Eric Adkins, Anthony Adkins (Teresa), Lisa Long, Larry McBride, Jr. Jessica McBride and Darnell McBride. Numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday May 21, 2022 at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton with Pastor John Booth officiating. Burial will follow in Upland Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.