David Raymond Akins

David Raymond Akins, age 80, sailed away into his sunset from home on April 24, 2020. He was surrounded by his soulmate in life of 28 years, Marti Miller, and his loving extended family. David was born on November 25, 1938 in Youngstown, Ohio to parents Florence and Carl Akins, Sr. The family relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he attended Edgewater High School. Upon graduation, David moved to Chicago to pursue his passion for the Arts. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago, the American Academy of the Arts and the Institute of Lettering and Design. Post graduation, he returned to Orlando where he began his career in Graphic Design and founded his business known as “Akins the Artist”. David received many accolades from his civic involvement in local clubs and organizations, however, his love of sailing was his primary passion. As Commodore to “The Sailing Club” where he was a proud member for over 30 years, David sailed The Bahamas and Caribbean Islands with his first mate, Marti, along with his close friends and family. Captain Dave’s adventures were so legendary everyone wanted to come along so he became the “Admiral of the Fleet”. Survived by his children, Shannon Unk, Cameron Akins, John Trent Akins and Carl Travis Akins; Grandchildren, Warren, Amanda, Natalie, Jami Lea, Kailee New and great-grandchild, Raegan. His extended family are daughters; Cheryl (Terry) Bennett, Lisa (Jim) Knight and Grandchildren, Stephen (Candace) Bennett, Harry Bennett, Kristen Bennett, Maddie and Sophie Knight. His loving great-grandchildren; Isabella Talaga, Ellie Bennett, Brielle Cohen and Michael Sloat. David is also survived by his brothers Bob (Kay) Akins and Lee (Barbara) Akins and their children. Visitation for FAMILY ONLY, will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturday, May 2, 2020, DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be planned for his birthday in the fall, where his ashes will set sail at Lake Baldwin Park, in Winter Park. David made his most precious contribution, following his death, to The Neuromedicine Brain Bank at the University of Florida for Parkinson Research, to hopefully someday find a cure for Parkinson disease. In lieu of flowers, please make your donation to: Parkinson Association of Central FL P. O. Box 3337, Winter Park, Florida, 32790 In Memory of David. http://www.parkinsoncf.org/donate David has left the shore under full sail, with fair winds and calm seas, heading for his “Island Time”!

David Raymond Akins

November 25, 1938 - April 24, 2020