Willie Denver Akers Jr.

Willie D. Akers Jr., passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born July 1, 1937, in Ironto, Virginia, Willie was the son of Blanche and Willie Akers and was raised in Mullens, West Virginia. His love for West Virginia and its people remained a constant throughout his life.

Willie was a man of many accomplishments, but he was defined most by his humility, kindness, and genuine care for others. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and he treasured his family, friends, community, Logan High School, and West Virginia University.

A gifted student-athlete and lifelong basketball enthusiast, Willie attended West Virginia University, where he became a proud Mountaineer. He later devoted many years to coaching and mentoring young people at Logan High School, where he earned the respect of his players, colleagues, and community. The relationships he built there remained especially meaningful to him.

Willie served as assistant superintendent of Logan County Schools. His service to Logan County extended beyond the school and basketball court as he served as a Logan County Commissioner for 20 years, committed to improving the community he called home.

Faith was another important part of his life. He was a longtime member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Logan.

Willie's dedication to West Virginia University was recognized throughout his life. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences in 1991 and the Order of Vandalia in 1999, the university's highest honor for a graduate. He was also inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and WVU School of Physical Education Hall of Fame, as well as the Mullens High School Hall of Fame, Logan High School Hall of Fame, and West Virginia Sportswriters Hall of Fame.

Willie was devoted to his family. He shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Linda Queen Akers, the love of his life and his constant companion.

He is survived by his sons, Darren (Alice) Akers and Chad (Michelle) Akers; grandchildren, Connor (Hope) Akers, Will (Abigail) Akers, McKenzie Akers, and Jackson Akers; great-grandson, Miles Akers; sisters Melva Houck, Barbara (Maurice) Anderson, and Joyce (Don) Galbraith; brother-in-law Mark (Harry Hall) Queen; sisters-in-law Tina Queen and Fran Queen; and many loving family members and friends.

Willie leaves behind a legacy measured not by titles or honors, but by the people he loved, the young lives he influenced, and the community he served. He was a proud West Virginian, a devoted Mountaineer and Wildcat, and, above all, a good man who gave generously of himself.

Services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Willie Akers Arena in Logan, WV. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the service. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Logan County Charitable and Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1367, Logan, WV 25601.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

James Funeral Home, Logan, WV is honored to be serving the Akers family.