Rev. Dr. David W. Adkins, 71, of Stephens City, VA, and formerly of Martinsville, died on Friday, September 14, 2018, at his home from multiple system atrophy.

Rev. Dr. Adkins was born in 1947 in Greenville, SC, a son of Joel Chandler and Elizabeth Rainey Adkins. He received a B.A. from Furman University; an M.Div. from Duke University Divinity School; and a D.Min. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as a certificate in clinical pastoral education from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He served in the US Army Reserve.

Dr. Adkins was, for 38 years, the pastor of Starling Avenue Baptist Church, Martinsville. Previous to that, he served churches in South Carolina. He began his career in Martinsville as minister of education in 1976; the church called him as senior pastor in 1979. Throughout his ministry, he was active in regional, state, and national Baptist organizations, serving in various capacities with the Henry County Baptist Association, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He was past president of the Alliance of Baptists of Virginia, and helped coordinate the Virginia Baptist Ministers Discussion Group. He always worked to connect people across lines of division, and conceived of his ministry as ecumenical and one of service to the entire community. He was very active in the Martinsville Henry County Ministerial Association, and served as a volunteer chaplain at Memorial Hospital throughout his career. Dr. Adkins founded, with Bill Adkins, Habitat for Humanity of Martinsville and Henry County, and was also instrumental in the founding of the Open Arms Sunday School class. He was one of the first participants in the interfaith dialogues sponsored by the Interfaith Council.

Dr. Adkins was committed to continuing education, serving on the Board of Directors of the Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. For many years, he participated in seminars throughout the United States sponsored by the Liberty Fund, bringing the perspective of a deeply committed person of faith to academic discussions on a wide range of topics. Though ministry was his calling, painting was his avocation. He won awards in many regional art shows. Piedmont Arts held a solo exhibit of his work. He also loved gardening, especially with native plants, understood the importance of a good cup of coffee, and was an excellent cook. He enjoyed performing music, was an accomplished pianist, and sang with the Martinsville-based choral group Gaudete, as well as church choirs.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Sautter Adkins of Stephens City; daughters Rev. Dr. Kristin A. Whitesides [Sandy] of Stephens City; Katie A. Brennan [Shamus] of Philadelphia, PA; grandsons Isaac Whitesides and Samuel Whitesides; sister Joann A. Davis [Jolly]; brother Jesse C. Adkins [Debbie]; sister Nancy A. Blumer [Adam]; and ten nieces and nephews.

Dr. Adkins was, at the time of his death, a member of First Baptist Church of Winchester, VA, where his daughter is senior pastor. He was a man of broad intellectual ability and interests, combined with great empathy and compassion for others. He truly loved life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 21, from 6-9 p.m. at Starling Avenue Baptist Church, 932 Starling Avenue, Martinsville. The funeral will be on Saturday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Starling Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Kristin Adkins Whitesides presiding.

The family asks that memorials be made to Starling Avenue Baptist Church, 932 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112; First Baptist Church, 205 W. Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601; or to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, 9935-D Rea Road, #212, Charlotte, NC 28277.