Obituary of Timothy Ray Eakins

Obituary Timothy “Timmy” Ray Eakins was called from labor to be rewarded eternally. Although his passing was sudden, he departed his earthly life peacefully on the morning of March 15, 2024, in the comfort of his home. Timothy was born on October 3, 1947, in Watha, North Carolina to Edgar James Eakins and Mary Susan Eakins. His family relocated to Philadelphia where he attended Overbrook High School. He was enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1965 and bravely served as a Lance Corporal during the Vietnam War era. Timothy received a Good Conduct Medal and was later awarded a National Defense Medal for being a Vietnam War era veteran. He also served in the army reserves for two years. During this time, Timothy met and married Gloria Mae, and from their union they had a daughter, Tamela (Tammy), whom he cherished. He also had two loving sons, Timothy and David, from previous relationships. Timothy later met and married Mary Elaine was a devoted husband and became a wonderful father to her son Anthony (Tony). They would go on to spend the next 44 ½ years together, sharing love, laughter, and blending their families whenever they could. While Mary reflects on so many wonderful attributes about Timothy, one of her proudest accomplishments is being happily married to her very best friend. Another 44 ½ years still wouldn’t have been enough! After being honorably discharged, Timothy earned his CDL and worked as a truck driver. He eventually became an owner-operator of his own 18-wheeler, passionately referred to as “Bluebird.” He remained in the trucking field for over 30 years until his eventual retirement. He loved working on cars, keeping Bluebird in great shape, and was also extraordinarily skilled at fixing and building things. If he wanted to, rewarded eternally (along with his four remarkably talented brothers) could build a house from the ground up, complete with electrical, plumbing and all other necessities. He was truly an expert in his field. Timothy joined Second Macedonia Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA, under the leadership of the late Reverend Thomas J. Ritter, and currently under Dr. Harold Jolly, where he served as a trustee, a part of the tribal ministry, drama ministry, and sang on the men’s choir. He thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Jolly’s messages and was very proud of him and his Second Macedonia family. Timothy loved to watch reruns of The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son, the Three Stooges and other T.V. shows that involved humor. It wasn’t out of the ordinary to find him laughing out loud as if it were his first time seeing a particular episode! He also loved music – from gospel, namely The Dixie Hummingbirds and Lee Williams, to oldies, such as James Brown and Marvin Gaye. His and Mary’s joint favorite song was Forever Mine, by The O’Jays. Timothy’s love of life shined through his sense of humor and his infectious smile. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends and would jump in to help anybody – solicited or not! He also knew how to instantly light up a room. To know him was to love him! Timothy was preceded in death by his parents Edgar Eakins, Jr. and Mary (Eakins) McMillan, siblings James Eakins, David Eakins, Janice Eakins and son Anthony McMillon. Timothy is survived by his wife, Mary Elaine Eakins, his aunt Nellie Louise Johnson, his siblings Mary L. Lewis, Ronald L. Eakins, & Herbert G. Eakins, two sons Timothy Alford (Twilla), & David Eakins, his daughter Rev. Tamela Eakins, his god-daughter Miriam Rockemore (Anthony), 2 sisters-in-laws Frances Perry & Odessa Perry, 1 daughter-in-law Pamela McMillon, 3 close buddies Johnny Bonds, William Butler, and Robert Dudley, 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 God-nieces & 1 God-nephew, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces & nephews, extended family and friends. Timothy Ray Eakins will truly be missed!