Bennie Bruce Akers, age 94, of Hillsville, VA died on September 17, 2022. He was born in Hillsville on July 2, 1928 to the late Eddie Leroy and Malesia Webb Akers and is also preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law, Edna Earl and George Blume of Blacksburg.

He is survived by several special cousins.

His father died when he was a small child and he spent most of his life caring for his mother with kindness and gentleness. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a longtime member of the Hillsville Lion's Club. He faithfully attended the Snake Creek Primitive Baptist Church and took care of the maintenance and upkeep of the church for years. He retired from the Sprague Electric Company in Hillsville as a line supervisor.

Mr. Akers was a very independent man who believed in always paying his own way in life and helping others whenever he could. He was an avid baseball fan and supporter of the Virginia Tech Hokes. He was passionate about music, particularly gospel and bluegrass, and handcrafted musical instruments, including violins and a banjo. Carpentry was a pastime; he made furniture and wooden bowls. He loved chicken and dumplings and was especially fond of family get-togethers. He also loved his neighbors and spent much time with his friend Joe Berry and his family.

He leaves to his family and friends a legacy of his compassion, integrity, moral living, and a strong Christian faith. The family wishes to thank his friends Dwayne and Martha Steinbeck and cousin Mike Webb for their tender loving care of Bennie for the past several months during his decline in health.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Elder Ronald Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in the Gladesboro Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F.W Grover King Post 1115. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.