Akins was best known for his television role as the bumbling Sheriff
Elroy P. Lobo in the series "B.J. and the Bear." He was born in
Nelson, Georgia, raised in Bedford, Indiana, and had his first acting
role in a church play at age five. Akins majored in theatre at Northwestern
and graduated in 1949. Akins made his professional debut at the
Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia, after which he went to New
York City and won a role in "The Rose Tattoo" with Eli Wallach and
Maureen Stapleton. His first film appearance was in 1953 in "From
Here to Eternity" and he also had roles in "Rio Bravo," with John
Wayne and "How the West Was Won." Akins was noted for his ability
to project a familiar, genial style in his roles.
