J. Craft "Lefty" Akard Jr.

After a lifetime of community service and many accomplishments, we remember the life of the man who seemed to remember everyone- James Craft “Lefty” Akard. He was born January 17, 1917 to Mae Sanders Akard and James Craft Akard, Sr. at their farm on Muddy Creek Rd. in Blountville, TN. Surrounded by his family, he went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 27th. J.C. grew up in the Holston community, attending Holston Institute. He received his BA Degree from Emory and Henry College, where he was inducted into the college’s Sports Hall of Fame for baseball and basketball. He obtained his MA Degree from East Tennessee State University. “Lefty” played baseball during the summers with the Kingsport Cherokees, and went 20-1 in one season winning 18 consecutive games as a pitcher. He was a teacher/coach at Bluff City High School and teacher/coach/principal at Sullivan High School. In 1948, he was elected Superintendent of Sullivan County Schools, where he served until 1971. He worked tirelessly to provide a higher quality of education to the students, as well as better facilities, benefits, and working conditions for the teachers. Upon leaving the school system, he served as a field representative for the Tennessee Education Association for eight years, and then was elected to one term as representative for the First District in the Tennessee State Legislature. He has been a lifelong member of Blountville United Methodist Church where he was Treasurer and Sunday school teacher for many years. J.C. was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, uncle, athlete, educator, and friend. While he was passionate about education and baseball, his true passion was serving others. At 73 years of age, he began delivering Meals-On-Wheels. For ten years, it was more than just a food delivery service to him – he took great joy in spending time with each person he visited, offering his friendship and support. He also performed various household chores for them, such as sweeping their porches and other small tasks. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with people and bringing joy and comfort to their lives – and that is exactly what he did every day of his long, fulfilling life. He was a very humble person with a servant’s heart, who loved his Heavenly Father. James Craft Akard is preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Akard Johnson, and nephew, Lionel Wayne Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Hagood Akard; his daughters Kay Akard Moninghoff, husband Bruce Moninghoff, and Jamie Akard Robinette, husband Kent Robinette; his grandchildren Mara Robinette, James Craft Moninghoff, Matthew Moninghoff, Amanda Robinette, and Seth Robinette; his nephew Dr. William Luke Johnson,Jr., wife Glenda Prillaman Johnson; his niece Ann Johnson Vaughan; his several great-nieces and great-nephews who were like grandchildren to him, Sonya Johnson Pusey, Geoffrey Vaughan, Bill Johnson Jr., Stephanie Johnson Cunningham, Brandon Johnson, Margo Vaughan , and Elizabeth Johnson Phillips. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Terry Nunley, Willie Duffey, and Ann Rector for their compassionate care shown to J.C. in recent months. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 29th from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at Akard Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 30th at 11:00 A.M. at Blountville United Methodist Church with Rev. Susan Arnold and Dr. William Luke Johnson, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Gunnings Cemetery. Bruce Moninghoff, James Moninghoff, Matthew Moninghoff, Kent Robinette, Brandon Johnson, and Bill Johnson will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Geoffrey Vaughan and Scott Cunningham. Those desiring may make memorials to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, 404 Holston Drive (or P.O.Box 188 ), Greeneville, TN. 37743 Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., (423) 989-4800 is serving the family of Mr. Akard.Read Obituary