Howard Douglas “Doug” Akers, age 83, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home. Doug was born on December 30, 1942, in Wytheville, Virginia. He is preceded in death by parents Howard Cunngingham and Mona Lewis Akers, two brothers, Roy and Elwood Akers, sister Mary Aline Barber, and niece Trena Kay Anderson.

Doug spent his life living in Wythe County, where he attended school and was a proud member of Fort Chiswell Highschool’s first graduating class. He began work at New Jersey Zinc Company in Austinville, Virginia, and later became co-owner and managing partner of Austinville Limestone Company. Doug was a hardworking and dedicated partner, who spent his career investing over 30 years in the company until his retirement. During retirement he enjoyed traveling with Sunshine Tours, trips to Surfside Beach South Carolina, and taking his grandchildren, and later great grandchild, to Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

In his youth, he was an avid car lover, with a fondness for Chevrolet Corvettes. He found joy in the simple pleasures of mowing his pristine lawn, riding on the old roads, and “piddling” in his garage and outbuildings. Doug was a wise and patient man, who cared deeply for those around him. Some of his greatest accomplishments were being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was the pillar of his family, and always the trusted source for loving wisdom and guidance.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Lois Cook Akers; son Carl Akers & wife Tonya; grandchildren Tyler Akers & wife Harrison, Paige Akers, and step grandson Zachary Melvin; great grandson Marshall Akers; brother Billy & wife Betty Anne Akers; sister Betty Akers Cox; brother in law Belford Cook & wife Delphia; close friend Rick Parnell and coworkers of Austinville Limestone, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 P.M. Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Grubb Funeral Home with Pastor Kenneth Quesenberry officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt Zion Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.