Thomas Akers

Born on July 29, 1954 Departed on June 15, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN Visitation: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematoryMonday June 19, 2017 4:00pm to Monday June 26, 2017 to 7:00pmTuesday June 20, 2017 10:00am to Tuesday June 27, 2017 to 11:00amCelebration of Life: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematoryTuesday June 20, 2017 11:00am to Tuesday June 27, 2017 to 12:00pmInterment: Woodlawn Memorial ParkTuesday June 20, 2017 12:30pm to Tuesday June 27, 2017 to 1:00pm

Thomas Wayne Akers

"Tom", age 62, of Nashville, TN, went to be with his heavenly father after a short battle with cancer on June 15, 2017 at Alive Hospice in Nashville with his loving family by his side. He was born July 29, 1954 in Chicago, IL and is preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Nevelin Akers. Although born in Chicago, Tom's family moved to West Nashville where they settled and his family has lived since. He was married to Betty Jean Hyde on December 13, 1974 and enjoyed 42 years of marriage. He is survived by his adoring wife Betty, the love of his life, and his two admiring sons Wayne (Beth) and Tim (Kate). Tom (Papa) was blessed with 3 grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Matthew, Riley, and Claire. He is also survived by his siblings, Jack (Donna) and Brenda McConnell.

Tom was a proud and successful business owner for 30 years and had a passion for family, sports, and classic cars. Tom ‘s priority was his family and he spent his time traveling with his wife Betty, spoiling his grandchildren, watching them play sports, and going to Titans games with his family. Tom was a longtime member and deacon of Park Avenue Baptist Church and is a current member at Bellevue Baptist Church.

Tom was truly a pioneer in the Nashville car community. Among his accomplishments was the founding of the Bellevue cruisers, AACA Middle Tennessee Battlefield region, hosting a weekly cruise in that brought over 300 cars and families together, and the Kris Kringle Car show. His passion derived from the idea that it wasn't about winning a trophy, but rather to provide a place for family and friends to spend time together and to give back to the community he grew up in. Because of this, he also supported numerous events that focused on supporting children, local schools, and those less fortunate. Tom's passion for the car community, his friends, and his 1969 Chevelle SS will be missed but not forgotten.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at 11:00am, at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 , with Brother Mike Shelton officiating. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee 37204.

Scott Cothran, Randy Howington, Freeman Spencer, Rick Davis, Tim Akers, and Randy Shemin will serve as pallbearers. Matthew Akers, Riley Akers, and Richard Berg will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at West Harpeth Funeral Home on Monday from 4:00pm until 7:00pm., and on Tuesday from 10:00am until the service time at 11:00am.

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