Billy Dean Akers

Billy Dean Akers, 91, a loving husband and father and respected member of the Hamburg community, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his residence. He was born September 17, 1933 in Hamburg and was a graduate of Hamburg High School. Billy Dean served his country with honor in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he began a long and distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. Starting his postal career as a railroad distribution clerk, he was later named as Hamburg’s first city letter carrier before becoming a rural route carrier. He retired as the Crossett Postal Supervisor in 1988 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Billy Dean continued his commitment to public service as Ashley County’s 911 Coordinator from 1992 to 1998. He went on to serve on the Hamburg City Council and was elected Mayor of Hamburg, serving from 1999 to 2002. In 2012, he was elected Justice of the Peace, further exemplifying his lifelong dedication to his community. A man of integrity, always living by the Golden Rule, Billy Dean was kind to everyone, friend and strangers alike. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He also gave generously of his time as a Babe Ruth baseball coach and was active in the Hamburg Jaycees. A man of strong faith, he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Hamburg.

Billy Dean was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and community service. His legacy lives on in the community he helped shape and the lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Alma McGaha Akers, and three brothers James Akers, Charles Akers and Joe Akers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Peggy McNeice Akers of Hamburg; his children, Leigh Ann Britt (William) of Saline, Louisiana, Brad Akers (Myra) of Monroe, Louisiana,  Sandy Akers Massey (Steve) of Orlando, Florida, Regina Staton (Bobby) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Kevin Cotton (Sabrina) of Hamburg; a brother, Roe Akers of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Chelsey Landrum, Shelby Massey, Kirby Massey, Devon Barlow, Landry Cotton and Leyton Cotton; and one great-granddaughter, Harleigh Landrum.

Funeral services are 2 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025 in the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bobby Pennington and Rev. Robin Allen officiating.  Burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Dennis Cox, Danny Rial, Stan White, Eddie Mack Stanley, Jimmy Griever and Leyton Cotton. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to Hospice Home Care, 989 Hwy 425 North, Monticello, Arkansas 71655.  

 Visitation will be 1-2 p.m., Thursday in the funeral home chapel.