Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 10, 2021

Richard Crook Adkins, 83, known to many in his adult life as “Dick,” and known as “Dickie” to his family and childhood friends, died September 10, 2021, with his daughter by his side. Known by all for his kind, gentle, humble nature, Dickie had the most endearing way of making everyone feel like a friend.  He was a quintessential Southern gentleman leaving a legacy of kindness to all, steadfast faith, integrity and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.  

Despite his prolonged battle with Parkinson’s followed by mid-stage dementia, Dickie was able to remain in his little cabin in the woods on the pond, part of the family farm he grew up on in Fort Mill, SC, otherwise known to the surrounding community as the Crook Family Homestead.  The son of Richard William and Ruth (London) Crook Adkins, settled upon by his mother’s parents over 150 years ago, the farm still stands as a family treasure and through its peaceful and natural beauty continues to bring great joy to loved ones and new friends alike. An outdoor enthusiast, what brought Dickie most joy was sharing his love of nature and outdoor sport, whether that be fishing in the pond, playing horseshoes or taking trail rides on the gator with his grandsons and their friends.

Dickie graduated from Fort Mill High School and Wofford College where he was a member of the baseball team and cheerleading squad in addition to participating in various additional intercollegiate sports and activities.  He received his master’s degree of business administration from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers College. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Armed Forces with Honorable Discharge. Following an extensive career in the Carolinas as a commercial banker and civic leader, Dick pursued a professional acting career.  

As an adult, Dick pursued competitive tennis, a game he loved dearly, and with equal passion he socially and competitively pursued his lifelong love of the Shag dance as well as other dances including East and West Coast Swing and all of the Latin dances.  He enjoyed choreographing dances that incorporated steps from the many forms of dance he pursued.

Dick was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry.  He was a longtime member of Olde Providence Racquet Club, Charlotte Shag Club and a lifetime member of the Living Legends Association of O.D. and Grand Strand.

In addition to his daughter, Whitley Adkins Hamlin, Dick is survived by his brother, Rusty Adkins and his wife, Polly, of Fort Mill, SC; his two grandsons, Hank Hamlin and Worth Hamlin, of Charlotte, NC; his former wife, Beth Whitley Lee, Jon Hamlin, his nephew Jamie Hamilton of Columbia, SC; his niece, Leslie Martinez, of Lincolnton, California; nephew, Russ Adkins, of Fort Mill, SC; and a multitude of additional beloved cousins, other relatives and close friends who were like family to him.  He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Hamilton, of Columbia, SC.

A committal service for family will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Ash Garden in Fort Mill. A funeral service and low country boil celebration of Dickie’s life for all friends and family will follow at 3:00 pm outside at his home on the family farm he so loved sharing with others. 

For all of Dickie's dance loving friends, on Sunday, October 3, The Charlotte Area Shaggers Hall of Fame will be hosting a dance in his honor held at Lynn's Dance Club, at 6pm, during the Old School Memories Party.  Doors open at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Richard Crook Adkins Endowed Scholarship at Wofford College.  This scholarship aids students who are majoring in the performing arts or business or who participate in an intercollegiate sport. Recipients of the scholarship are awarded to persons of outstanding character, academic promise and demonstrated financial need.  Additionally, memorials may be sent to Charlotte Shag Club, which supports various local charities.

The family would like to thank Kim Blackmon and Gloria Ervin for their compassionate in-home care of almost four years, as well as Waymie and Brian Helms and Eddie Mitchell for their always ready desire to help in any capacity.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.