Harry Franklin Adkins II

The stage may have gone quiet, but the music of Harry Franklin Adkins II’s life will play on forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Harry, of Madison, WV, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, after a tenacious battle with cancer. He was 66.

Music was central to Harry’s life. Like his father, ‘Babe,’ Harry was gifted with a terrific singing voice. He sang joyously in church choirs, community theater musicals, weddings, house parties and local rock bands too numerous to list. He could slay you with Honky Tonk Women on Saturday night at the bar and hold you in quiet reverence with The Lord’s Prayer at Sunday service.

While music was Harry’s passion, it was one of many ways he brought beauty into the world. His most cherished masterpiece was his family, and his role as a husband, father and grandfather. When he showed people pictures of his daughter and granddaughters, he called them Harry’s Hens.

Harry was outgoing and made friends easily and often. He was multitalented, resourceful and adventurous — a quintessential West Virginian. He was a teller of stories and doer of things. And, man, was he funny. He radiated charisma and loved being with people, and they loved him in return.

Like his mother, ‘Bunny,’ Harry had a special way with animals and they responded to him. He was also a hunter, fisherman, trapper, beekeeper and farmer. Harry operated a family hardware store in Madison with his father, sold manufactured homes and was an underground coal miner for nearly 20 years.

Harry was preceded in death by his father, Harry (Babe) Adkins, mother Bonnie (Bunny) Adkins and sister Kathy Adkins Sigmon.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Adkins of Hewett, WV; daughter, Christina Adkins Elmore (Jason) of Orient, OH; granddaughters Jayden Elmore of Orient, OH and Haleigh Elmore Marcum (Sean); great-grandchildren Olivia and Logan Marcum of Canal Winchester, OH; brother, Thomas Adkins of Madison, WV; nephews, Neal Tate of Madison, WV, Trevor Sigmon of Olive Hill KY and Caleb Sigmon, of Madison, WV; nieces, Shea Graziano (Mike) of Charleston, SC and Tommi and Leah Adkins of Madison, WV; a myriad of loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and best friend Susan Bratcher.

Harry will be remembered fondly by his family and friends, who hope you will join them in celebration of his life. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept 13, 2025 at Madison Baptist Church in Madison, WV. The family will accept visitors from 3pm-5pm with a service immediately following. His ashes will be returned to the earth at a later date. 

The Madison Moose Lodge will be providing a light dinner and refreshments after the service. All are welcome.