Mr. Clyde E. Adkins, III

Clyde E. Adkins, III, 83, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on May 24, 2026. Born on April 9, 1943, in Henderson, Kentucky, to the late Clyde E. Adkins, Jr. and Lola Bea Adkins, Clyde lived most of his life in Murray, where he raised his family and became a beloved fixture in the community.
Clyde's love story began at Murray State University, where he played football and caught the eye of a cheerleader named Marilyn — the woman who would become his wife and the center of his world. Together they built a life in Murray defined by devotion, laughter, and an open door for family and friends.
He was the kind of man people never forgot. Those who knew him often called him simply the sweetest man they had ever met. Clyde had a rare and genuine gift for putting others first, loving his family and friends unconditionally and without reservation. He coached his sons' sports teams with the same steady encouragement he brought to everything in life — not just teaching the game but teaching what it meant to show up for the people who count on you.
In his later years, Clyde could often be found on the fairways of Murray Country Club, enjoying a round of golf with his longtime buddies — a ritual that brought him great joy and even greater company.
Clyde was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Adkins; his parents; his sister, Becky White; and brother, Phil Adkins.
He is survived by his sons, Clyde "Chip" Adkins, IV and his wife Shannan, of Birmingham, Alabama, and their children Reed Adkins and Anna Kate Adkins; and Russ Adkins and his wife Fran, of Nashville, Tennessee, and their children Finley Rose Adkins and Miller Adkins.
            A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Keith Inman will officiate, and burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
 Expressions of sympathy can go to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or the family asks that you simply carry Clyde with you — in a kind word, a round of golf, or a moment spent putting someone else first.
Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com
            J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.