William “Bill” Robinson Akers Jr.

In addition to his role as an educator, Bill also had a very storied career as an actively-practicing paramedic. Serving his hometown of Lebanon, Virginia with Lebanon Lifesaving Crew since the 1980s, he climbed the ranks to serve as the captain of the agency for more than two decades. In most recent years, he has served as a member of the agency’s Board of Directors where he still worked to ensure high-quality EMS care was available to his neighbors and community members. Additionally, Bill was most well-known as being one of the original paramedics brought on to fly with the Virginia State Police Med-Flight II program in Abingdon, Virginia, in 1987. Beginning there only as a volunteer paramedic, Bill has continued to work as a flight paramedic, even with his other roles and responsibilities, because he remained passionate about the mission of Med-Flight and its service to Southwest Virginia.

Over his career, Bill has been given numerous awards and recognitions from local, regional, and state organizations. He has been recognized multiple times for his passion as an EMS educator; his tenacity as an EMS agency leader; and his drive as a paramedic in rural Southwest Virginia. Most recently, Bill was awarded the “2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services” by Virginia Governor, Glenn Youngkin, at the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. Of all these awards, the recognitions that he was most proud of were: “Bill” (in Cherie’s tone), “daddy,” and most recently, “Popaw.”

Bill never met anyone with whom he did not share his faith. If asked how he was doing, his usual answer was, “blessed and highly favored.” He demonstrated the love of Christ in everything he did, and he often relied on his personal relationship with Christ to guide his decision-making. He was active in his church, Lebanon Community Fellowship, and was proud to be a part of the church family. Although there is great sorrow in his departure, he would want everyone here to be encouraged that he has reached his great reward – and that he will be waiting for us.

Bill’s family is humbled by the outpouring of love that has been shown these past difficult days. From the calls and visits to the food and many prayers, the family is eternally grateful. A special thank you goes out to Bill’s care team at Johnson City Medical Center, including Drs. Trevor Clarkson and Kalli Devecki and the entire ICU nursing and clinical staff. An additional special thank you goes out to Bill’s chosen family who remained at his and Cherie’s side through this time: Scott and Betsy Brown; Anita Perry; Dr. Ken Turner; Janet Evans and Cathy Robins; Cody Jackson; Sara Davis; Dr. James Mitchell; Jackie Hackney; and the entire VSP Med-Flight II family. The family also would extend a heartfelt appreciation and ‘thank you’ for Pastor Justin Honaker of Lebanon Community Fellowship, whose presence, guidance, and compassion helped bring calm to a dire situation.

To the many members in the public safety community with whom Bill taught, mentored, or interacted with – his family would ask that you keep his memory and his legacy in your heart as you go forward each day. Whether mentoring a new EMT student or spending a shift with your partner of many years, remember the kindness, compassion, and servitude that Bill carried with him. His ambition was rooted in ensuring the next generation of responders was equipped and ready; that torch has now been passed to you.