Russell Lee Akers, III, 68, of French Camp, Mississippi entered his heavenly home on February 2, 2022. Russ was born in San Diego, California on November 13, 1953 to Russell Lee Akers, Jr. and Betty Akers. Russ graduated from Crawford High School in San Diego in 1972 and later received his degree in pastoral studies from Wesley College in Florence, Mississippi.
Russ accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and faithfully attended Grace Evangelical Methodist Church, where he grew in his faith and met life-long friends. When in 1967 a new girl, Carolyn Jackson, walked into Sunday School, Russ knew he had met the love of his life. They wed in 1974. As a young man, Russ committed his life to God's service. He and Carolyn moved to Mississippi for college. After graduation, Russ pastored several churches in Mississippi, including Mt Zion Congregational Methodist Church in Union, Mississippi and Marvin Hill Congregational Methodist Church in Cumberland. He served as youth pastor at Asbury Church in Jackson and worked as a leader in the Jackson Youth for Christ organization. In 1990, Russ and Carolyn joined French Camp Academy (FCA) as dorm parents in Buchanan Dorm, where they mentored many young people over the years. Russ served as a godly role model to hundreds of dorm girls who affectionately called him "Papa." Russ gave back to the community of French Camp by serving for years as Volunteer Fire Chief.
Russ will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, easy laugh and infectious smile, the way he put people at ease, his love of music, theater performances, and care for the horses at FCA. To his extended family, Russ was a pillar of strength. He provided encouragement and stability through his wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love. Most importantly, Russ will be remembered for his positive spirit, his encouraging attitude, and his joy of life. He consistently modeled how a godly man should live, showing strength and maintaining faith in life's most difficult moments. He led by example and was obedient to his Savior. Russ was devoted to his family. He loved his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren very well.
"His master replied, 'Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21
Russ is now reunited with his precious son, Jimmy Joe Akers in Heaven. Also preceding him in death is his mother, father, and beloved stepfather, Joe Winters. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carolyn, daughter and son-in-law Somer and Marcus Rodriguez of French Camp, daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Kyle Buescher of Bertram, TX; sister Jerrie Wood of Grayson, GA, sister Russa Turner of West Virginia and his grandchildren, Nevaeh, Arista, Dominic, Joe Luke, and Autumn Rodriguez, Taylor and Bryant Buescher. Russ also leaves many other family members and friends to cherish his memory.
A celebration of Russ's legacy will be held at French Camp Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Public viewing will be at 1:30 p.m. and the service will begin at 3:00. A graveside burial will be held at Lakewood Cemetery in Clinton on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.