Hixon "Sonny" Elliott Akers

Hixon (Sonny) Elliott Akers, 86 years young of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on September 20th surrounded by his family. Sonny lived a life defined by faith, family, humility, hard work, and service to others. He was a loving father and grandfather, a proud great-grandfather, and a man whose quiet example taught those around him far more than words ever could.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife, Barbara Jean Akers and his sister, Lois Thompson (Warfordsburg, PA). He is survived by his daughter Deborah Matthew (Kings Mtn., NC) and her husband, Len Matthew. His son, Larry Skidmore, Jr. (Baltimore, MD) and his wife Melissa Skidmore. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Bradshaw (Harrisburg, MD) and his grandchildren with his full-of-life great-grandchildren as follows: granddaughter Nicole Scism (Lawndale, NC) and husband, Michael Scism and children Judd, Brody, and Anson Scism. Grandson, Lenny Matthew Jr. (Asheville, NC). Grandson, Danny Skidmore (Baltimore, MD) and wife Kelly Skidmore and children Kacey, Mackenzie, and Ellie. Granddaughter Rachel Brown (Bel Air, MD) and husband, Jason Brown and children Rocky, Peyton, Savannah, and Presley. He is also survived by his niece Bonnie Perkins and husband, Gil (Ellaville, GA) and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Of all the blessings in his life, none meant more to him than his wife and the love of his life, Barbara, who preceded him in death. His devotion to Barb was a beautiful example of what it means to truly love another person. Through the years and through every season of life, he demonstrated patience, tenderness, humility, grace, and sacrifice. He didn’t simply speak about loving and caring for your family—he lived it. Those fortunate enough to witness their life together saw an enduring example of marriage, companionship, commitment, and what it means to faithfully care for the person you love.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life. He treasured time spent with them and had a special way of turning ordinary moments into memories. He was an incredible storyteller, with a lifetime of experiences and more than a few good stories to tell. But tucked within those stories was often something more. He used the things he had experienced—the good times, the difficult ones, the lessons learned, and plenty of humor along the way—to pass gentle wisdom to the generations that followed him. He never needed to lecture. Often, he simply told a story and allowed the lesson to find its way home.

His story began with the farm where he learned early the meaning of responsibility, patience, perseverance, and hard work. Farm life taught lessons that stayed with him throughout his lifetime: that worthwhile things require tending, that responsibilities don’t disappear simply because the work is difficult, and that there is dignity in a job done well.

Those values followed him to Bethlehem Steel in Maryland, where he worked for many years. He was genuinely happy to work hard and believed deeply in the value of a strong work ethic. Yet the relationships he built were every bit as important as the work itself. He had a remarkable ability to meet people simply as they were, regardless of who they were, where they came from, or what position they held. That was simply his nature.

He was kind and compassionate to every soul he encountered. His kindness was not reserved for family, friends, or people who could offer him something in return. It was simply how he moved through the world. He treated people with dignity because he believed they deserved it.

He carried a quiet, empowering presence. He did not need to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. There was strength in his steadiness and reassurance in simply knowing he was there. He encouraged others without needing recognition for doing so and made people feel valued without making a show of it.

He was also a man of deep faith and a strong believer in God. His faith was reflected not only in what he believed, but in the way he lived. He understood that what we are given in this life is meant to be shared for God’s glory, and he was always willing to give generously of his time, treasure, and talents. Whether someone needed a helping hand, his knowledge, his time, or simply someone willing to listen, he gave without expecting recognition in return.

Perhaps his greatest lessons were never intentionally taught at all. They were simply witnessed. And through those ordinary acts, he showed the generations after him what faithfulness, character, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love look like when they are lived rather than merely spoken about.

His greatest legacy cannot be measured by possessions or accomplishments. It lives in his family—in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—and in every person who was made better simply by having known him. It remains in stories that will continue to be told, lessons that will be repeated, traditions that will continue, and memories that will bring both tears and laughter for years to come.

He showed his family that strength can be gentle, that humility requires no recognition, that hard work has dignity, that faith is something to be lived, and that truly loving another person often means placing their needs before your own. His life, rooted in faith, will leave a harvest that will continue for generations.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Glisson officiating

The family requests you come as you are with no obligation for any specific attire. They will speak briefly with attendees following the service.

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA