William E. Akehurst



1935-2006

Rev. William E. Akehurst, LA, went to be with the Lord March 1, 2006. He was 70 years old.

Bill was born July 18, 1935 to Carville Goldsboro and Doris Milling Akehurst. He married the love of his life, Lois Kidd, in 1960 and had three sons, Bill, Brian, and John. Bill demonstrated his love for his family by spending quality time with them; nurturing his relationship with each one of them, and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus.

From a young age Bill worked in the family business (currently known as Akehurst Landscape Service), which he ran for most of his adult life. The 22nd landscape architect registered in the state of Maryland, he grew to be so respected in the industry that he was named President of the National Landscape Association in 1994. Soon after, he was asked to take a full-time position with the American Nursery Landscape Association, a job which he declined because he desired more time to share the message of Jesus with others through various ministries. He did serve as the ANLA’s Lieutenant Governor for the Maryland state chapter and as chaplain for their annual management clinic in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bill was a graduate of Kenwood High school and received a Bachelor of Divinity from Family Bible Institute College and Seminary in 1994. He served on numerous boards and committees throughout the U.S and local business communities; Maryland Nurserymen Association, American Association of Nurseryman, Kingsville Rotary Club, Route 40 Business Community and Essex Community College designated him as a Knight of Essex for his contributions as a teacher.

As an ordained minister, Bill faithfully served others as God led him. In the late 1970s he was involved with World Wide Pictures promoting the film, “Jesus.” He also started Life Ministries and served on the board of Beachmont Christian Ministries. He was chairman of the co-laborers for the Baltimore Billy Graham Crusade in 1981. Following the crusade, Bill began the first Billy Graham Telephone Ministry Center and the Baltimore region became the model for those to come nationwide a ministry that continued for the rest of his life. He also led two decades of Christmas Barn Services, pastored his beloved congregation at Harford Senior Housing for more than 20 years, and was an active part of Living Hope Assembly of God in Jarrettsville since its inception 2 years ago.

Bill’s life exemplified integrity, honor, and a sincere love for Jesus. Rev. Bill Akehurst is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lois Kidd Akehurst; 3 sons William K., Brian E. and John C. Akehurst, all of Harford County; 3 daughters-in-law, Terri J., Joy L. and Jennifer A. Akehurst; 8 grandchildren, Josiah, Christiana, Julia, Brian, Grahme, Jared, Jillian and Myatt Akehurst; brother, Lauren Akehurst of Forest Hill and sister, Doris Tarleton of Kingsville; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carville M. Akehurst. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.

Arrangements were made by the E. F. Lasshan Funeral Home in Kingsville. Rev. Scott Bailey officiated the March 5th funeral at the Camp Chapel United Methodist Church in Perry Hall. Several ministers contributed to the celebration service: Rev. Art Bailey, Rev. Joe Conte, Mr. José Herrera, Rev. David Robinson, Rev. Bob Savage, and Mr. Ron Shea

Serving pallbearers were Albert Blakely, Grant Kidd, Tim Kidd, Jeff Kidd, Joe Kidd, David Kidd, Brian Kidd and Cliff Kidd, Jr.; honorary pallbearers were George Krause, Kelly Finney, Roy England and Clarence Eck