Thomas E. Adkins Sr. M.D., 97, of Rossville-Chattanooga area, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in a local healthcare facility.

Dr. Adkins, a native of Deer Lodge, Tennessee was born on May 10, 1920 to the late Lidsay C. and Etta Adkins. He graduated in 1950 from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree. Prior to receiving his degree at UT College of Medicine, he also attended Lincoln Memorial University for his undergraduate studies. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II and served in the South Pacific Theater. During his military service, he received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the AP Theater Ribbon. Following his completion of medical school, he started his own private practice in Rossville, Georgia where he dedicated his service and care for fifty years. Dr. Adkins considered one of the greatest joys in his life was taking care of his patients. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son, Phil Adkins, two brothers, Eugene and Billy Adkins and a sister, Christine Edwards.

Survivors include his wife, Claudine Adkins, sons, Thomas E. (Myra) Adkins Jr.,  Steve (Marcia) Adkins, three sisters, Eula (Hurst) Wadell, Ann (Pete) Peterman, Betty (Richard) Arnold, grandchildren, Tommy (Kim) Adkins, Mary Adkins, Christy (Chris) Daniel, Jennifer (Mike) Browning, great-grandchildren, Harper, Avery and Ceadwyn, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 27, 2017 at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N Moore Rd, Chattanooga with Pastor Dr. Courtney Krueger officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 AM until the service hour on Friday.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at lane-southcrestchapel.com

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Chattanooga.

Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.

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