William “Bill” Roy Askins, Jr., age 82, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away on October 19, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Rev. Tommy Vann and Rev. Wyatt Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Booneville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home with Masonic Rites to take place at 7 PM.
Bill was born on April 22, 1942, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late William Roy Askins and Dean Smith Askins. Bill was a 1960 graduate of Central High School and a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Mr. Askins was also a member and past master of the Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodge, and he served as a Lincoln County Commissioner. An enthusiastic golfer, Bill was also a passionate supporter of the University of Tennessee Football and the St. Louis Cardinals. He owned and operated Askins Publishing for over 30 years, and he was a passionate genealogist and author.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kay Lane Askins; children Shawn (Shari) Askins, Dawn (Russ) Dixon, Luke (Mandy) Askins, Amanda (Jeff) Franks, and Andrea (John) Thorpe; grandchildren Trent Askins, Aidan Crowe, Liam Crowe, Emma (Logan) Smith, Will Franks, Andrew Dixon, Alex Dixon, Anna Askins, Lily Askins, Ada Askins, Abbie Dallmann, David Dallmann, Claire Thorpe, JJ Thorpe, and Charlie Thorpe; and one great-granddaughter, Hallie Kay Smith. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Dick Askins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 210 N. Elk Ave., Fayetteville, TN 37334, or the WCHS – Terry Franks Memorial Scholarship Fund, 707 S. Main St., Waynesboro, TN 38485.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William “Bill” Roy Askins, Jr.
My condolences to his family. Billy was a friend of mine growing up in Fayetteville. We played baseball and football together during our youth. The last time we talked he indicated he had surgery and it went well.
Ms. Kay, Dawn and the family, I enjoyed talking with Mr. Bill when he would come into The Exchange. Always wanted to talk and of course we listened! May God wrap his arms around you as you go through these difficult days. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.
To the family: You all have my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss. My dad was very fond of your dad over the years. I can imagine them both cutting up together in eternity. “THE ASKINS” men!!!!!! Love you all…Dawn!!!!
Very sad to hear about this. I always enjoyed Bill’s insight and sharing photos of our Askins family. Very heartwarming. You will be missed
Sad news. Billy was a good friend and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I always felt I learned something every time I talked to him. Joe Luther
This news makes my heart hurt I will miss him being around in my career during the years he I also called him Big a and he got a kick out of it always jovial and had a joke to tell and was fun to be around even when we were serious and our business situations he still found time to make us laugh! Rest in peace Big A!
Billy was a friend since the ‘50s. He was a great story teller. Billy loved his family and always had a great story to share about them. He was generous, loved his town, his friends and he will be missed.
I am sorry for your loss! Billy was a good friend! I am keeping all you girls in my prayers!! Love to you Janet
I enjoyed talking to Mr Bill when he would come and eat lunch with us at Big Country BBQ he always had a funny and interesting story to tell prayers to all friends and family he will be missed
Kay and family, my heart is aching for you all at this sad time. Bill was a wonderful man who was generous in helping those in need. My Lee thought the world of him and enjoyed his friendship so much. Know I am thinking of you and praying for peace to be yours in the days ahead.
So Very Sorry to hear of Mr Bill’s passing.He is such a sweet always smiling man.Prayer for all of you.May God wrap his arms around each if you during this most difficult time as God has gained another Angel.
So very sorry of the loss of a good neighbor prayers for the family.
My husband was a commissioner with Bill, they were buddies. I also worked at LCHD where Kaye was a NP, both were very sweet people. God bless you, Kaye and your family, in this time of grief.
I am so very sorry to hear about Billy. We were buds from Babe Ruth baseball days till now emailing often. I got to stop by his office often when in town . He was a good old boy.
So very sorry for your loss. He was a friend for life and always had a smile and a good story to share! Bill will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Billy was a fine person who I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with. He loved his wife,
children and grandchildren. He liked to share little stories about them.
After my work with Red Cross on Katrina, he always called me Hurricane Jeanie! He was a character.
Billy will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family during their time of loss.