Mr. Paul Shelton Akins died peacefully on August 16, 2026, at Ogeechee Area Hospice. Paul was born on March 15, 1934, in Bulloch County, Georgia. He grew up in Bulloch County and attended Statesboro High School.
On December 26, 1954, Paul married the love of his life, Josephine “Jo” Attaway Akins, and together they raised three sons and have been blessed with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Paul graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in industrial engineering. Following his graduation, he served in the Air Force for three years.
In 1968, he established Paul S. Akins Company, Inc., a general contracting firm specializing in commercial, industrial and military construction projects, which celebrated its 58th anniversary this year, and continues to thrive in the construction industry.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for many years as well as a Sunday school teacher. He was instrumental in starting the Nursing Ministry because he saw a need. He also traveled to Liberia and Germany on mission trips to share his knowledge of construction and engineering as well as his love for the Lord.
He was an active member of the community, serving as past president of the Rotary Club, Jaycees and Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce. He served as a member of the faculty for Georgia Southern University’s Technology Department and chaired the Civil Engineering Technology Advisory Committee.
Concerned about the community’s children, he served as president of Sallie Zetterower Elementary School’s PTA and president of Bulloch Academy Boosters, and led a First Baptist Church Boy Scout Troop.
He served on the board of directors for Sea Island Bank and Synovus for many years.
He was a member of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Development Authority and the Bulloch County Hospital Authority. He was a Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award recipient, as well as a Deen Day Smith Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. In 1999, he was named the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Leader of the Year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rubye Akins; and his brother and sister-in-law, Donald Wayne and Myrtis Akins.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jo Akins; his sons, Jeff Akins (Pat), Joseph Akins (Gail), Mark Akins (Leslie); 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Statesboro.
The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. with Dr. John Waters officiating. A private graveside service will be at Eastside Cemetery prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jarrod Akins, Joel Akins, Steven Nelson, Brandon Andrews, John Wigand and Gus Melton. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present employees of Paul S. Akins Company, Inc., special nephew, Wayne Akins; and Dr. Courage Atekha.
The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to First Baptist Church’s Nursing Ministry, 108 N. Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, August 18, 2026
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