Edward C. Adkins Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Edward Coolidge Adkins, son of the late Edward Lee and Edna Florence Adkins, was born in Charles City, Virginia on August 5, 1925. He attended public school in Charles City. At the age of 19, Edward moved to Homestead, Pennsylvania where he went on to receive his Pennsylvania barber’s license in1949. Shortly thereafter, he established himself as a prominent Pittsburgh barber in a storefront on Second Avenue in Glenwood which he cleverly named ACE Barbershop. ACE represented the initials of his birth name spelled backwards. The shop had two chairs occupied by Edward and his good friend Mr. Dorrance Cooper. In later years, his brother Warren Adkins would join his team of barbers. According to Pittsburgh resident Richard G. Portis, ACE Barbershop was a model for aspiring young black men: Eddie Adkins was a professional business owner and respected citizen. As a kid it was always inspiring to visit his establishment. ACE Barbershop was a community civic powerhouse built on Eddie’s values of being a man of dignity. He mentored, cared and loved. What a mighty good man. In addition, Edward worked for the Borough of Homestead where he rose through the ranks to assume the position of Superintendent of Waterworks, from which he retired after more than 35 years of service in 1987. In 1944, Edward Adkins joined Clark Memorial Baptist Church under the ministry of Reverend Edgar P. Tunie in Homestead, PA where he remained a devoted member for 71 years. He was an active member of the Elks, the Precious Jewel Lodge #54 in Homestead, the Homestead Rotary Club, and the Homestead Volunteer Firemen. Edward is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary, three loving children Edward Lee Adkins of Seattle, WA, Frederick Douglas Pugh III, of Homestead, PA, and Patricia Pugh Mitchell of Wilkinsburg, PA; five sisters, Edwina Alease Chambers of New York City, NY; Marguerite Allen (William) of Charles City, VA, Elizabeth Richardson (Archie) of Richmond, VA, and Eloise Adkins Bethea of Forestville, MD; one brother, Thomas M. (Edna) Adkins, Sr. of Charles City, VA; six grandchildren, three great-children; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; other relatives and close friends

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Edward C. Adkins

August 5, 1925 - July 13, 2015