Born on his family's farm, 7 miles from Brady, TX.
Head football coach at Gregory-Portland High School (Portland, TX) from 1965-2004.
Served in the Marine Corps (1943-1946). Of the 120 men in his special weapons company, Akins was one of only 3 who wasn't killed or wounded fighting on Okinawa.
Grandfather of Drew Brees, and Golf Channel reporter Angela Akins, who is engaged to golfer Sergio García.