On a beautiful God-given day in a church filled to overflowing, we laugher, cried, celebrated, and honored the life of Andy Adkins. Andy had ridden and shown horses all of his short life. At the age of 23, he tragically died in a single car accident on May 17. In a pictorial slide presentation of Andy from infancy to the present, we remembered. For many they remembered the precious baby, for others the always polite, well-mannered young man and for others the showman, trainer, and trail rider. During the memorable service, Andy was eulogized by family and friends who shared their special moments.

When we think of Andy Adkins, we cannot separate him from Boomer In Command and their many championship rides. As we exited the sanctuary of Ethridge Church of Christ, we were greeted by Boomer. He was show ready and groomed to perfection and presented by Steve Dunn and Sam Perkins. As Andy’s grandmother, Becky Sharp, stroked Boomer on his nose she was overheard to say, “Here is my other baby”. If ever an owner/rider and a horse loved each other, Andy and Boomer did. They were a team! They were bonded! And, one day, they will be thrilling the crowds in Heaven as they did here on Earth.

Andy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Adkins. He is survived by his mother, Angie (John) Sharp Ezell of Ethridge; his father, Frankie Adkins of Lawrenceburg; two brothers, Chase (Jordon) and Matthew Adkins of Ethridge; step-brother and sister, Jackson and Nellie Kate Ezell of Loretto and Lawrenceburg; grandparents, John and Becky Sharp of Ethridge and Nellie Adkins of Pulaski; fiancé, Mandie Napier of Murfreesboro; two nieces and a nephew of Ethridge.

The family requests that memorials be made to Great Strides Therapeutic Riding Program for Handicapped Children in care of the WHTA Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 61, Shelbyville, TN 37162.