William Henry Larkins

William Henry Larkins was born on April 23, 1930 in Cuba, Alabama to Ike and Eddie D. Brewster Larkin. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Evelyn L. Johnson, brothers Ike Larkin Jr., Charles Larkin Sr., Harvey Larkin Sr., Earry Larkin and son Ronnie Larkins. William was the third oldest child of nine children born into the Larkin household. He attended Kinterbish Public Schools in Alabama. William accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a very young age and was baptized at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cuba, Alabama.
William moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1948 and served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He joined Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Albert L. Goodwin and served under Pastor Melvin T. Jones, Bishop Michael F. Mack, Pastor Ivan Durand and lastly serving under the leadership of Dr. Johannon R. Tate, Pastor. William loved his church and has been a faithful member for over 60 years. William’s Christian ministry assignments included being an ordained Deacon, attending Sunday School, Bible Study classes, singing with the Senior Male Chorus and he served where needed. He retired as Deacon Emeritus after he incurred several health issues that prevented him from no longer attending regularly as he enjoyed so much.
William was united in holy matrimony on June 16, 1960 to Willa Larkins (nee Stockman). They enjoyed over 60 years of marital bliss. This union was blessed with three sons.
He retired after 36 ½ years of service from General Electric in Evendale, Ohio in 1990. He was the owner of Larkins & Son Investment Properties. After retirement, he went to work part-time at Columbia Oldsmobile and started his own lawn care business with his son, Tracy Larkins. He especially loved communicating on the “phone tree” daily with his brothers.
He loved spending time with his family. Holiday dinners and gatherings were some of his favorite times. He always requested a special dish of sweet potato casserole with marsh mellows on top to be prepared and a large plate to take home. He also wanted his very own special loaf of zucchini bread made by his niece, Nett.
William believed in looking his very best at all times. He loved looking nice and coordinating matching outfits with his wife Willa. He loved driving a Cadillac and it had to be white. He kept his cars detailed at all times.
William loved working in his garden. He planted all sorts of fruits and vegetables such as greens and tomatoes. Year after year their manicured lawn received a neighborhood Beautification Award. They would proudly display it in their front yard.
He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his two sons, Anthony Dangerfield of Boston, Massachusetts, Tracy (Dayna) Larkins Sr. of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Tracy Larkins Jr., Makayla Larkins, Siraj Richardson, James Sutton, Octavia Barry, Tanaha Bailey, Tieka Dangerfield, Trah’e Qualle; a host of great-grandchildren including Tre’mir Collin Larkins; brothers, Edward Sr. (Evalena) Larkin of Eufaula, Alabama, Johnny (Dessie) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Gary (Barbara) Larkin, sisters in-law Lorraine Larkin, Anna Ruth Larkin; Special Cousins, Katie Brown, Joe Larkin of Toledo, Ohio, Leon (Elsie) Waters; the late Jake (Betty) Harris, Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.