Robert CL Akers Sr.

Robert CL Akers Sr. better known as “CL”, “Wonderman” and “Barry White” entered into the presence of the lord after a long illness on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the Woodland (Holly Manor) of Farmville, in Prince Edward County, Virginia.

Robert was the first born of nine children to the late Robert L. Akers and Joan Loretta Gee Akers on March 13, 1952, in Dinwiddie County Virginia. At an early age, he joined High Rock Baptist Church and later became a member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church of Farmville, Virginia where he attended regularly until his health began to fail him.

 Robert graduated from Prince Edward County High School in Farmville, Virginia in 1971 and furthered his education by graduating from Southside Virginia Community College with a diploma in Automotive Analysis and Repair. After graduation, he began working at Prince Edward County Public Schools as an auto mechanic and worked himself up to Assistant Supervisor of the Prince Edward County Public Schools bus garage where he retired with over 40 years of service.

Robert had four sons Robert Jr, Orlando, Brandon and Gregory.

Robert later married his final love Fannie Braxton-Akers.

Robert was a people person which drove him to join the I.B.P.O.E. of World in which he served as a faithful member and held numerous positions on the local, state and national levels. He was a District Deputy for many years until his health started to fail which earned him the title of District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Emeritus. Robert acquired his Past Grand Exalted Rulers degree which is the highest degree in Elkdom. The Order of Elks was Robert and he loved the Elks with all his heart and passion.

Robert rose to fame at an early age through becoming “DJ Wonderman” playing music for different nightclubs throughout the area and also managing a band called “The Blazin Sensations”. You didn’t know Robert if you never been to any of his enormous two day cookouts. Robert also considered himself an avid fisherman claiming to have out fished anyone he went fishing with. He loved raising gardens and talking across the air ways, to only God knows who, on his home Central Base Station.

Robert was also a dedicated member of the National Black Farmers Association, participating in protest because of the discrimination in farm lending from the USDA. With Robert joining the thousands of black farmers in the fight led by John Boyd, President of the NBFA they were able to secure a $2.2 billion dollar settlement. An approximate total of 43,000 black farmers were able to receive payouts, these funds are meant to provide financial assistance to black farmers who experienced racial and other forms of discrimination from the USDA prior to 2021.

Robert loved and enjoyed all of his family and friends to the end.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Fannie Braxton-Akers; Four sons Robert (Nina), Orlando Akers (Kellie), Brandon (Michael); Gregory (Raven) and one Step-Son James (Meredith).

Robert leaves to cherish his memories:

Sisters Ethel Embrey(Alfred) of Richmond, VA, Addie Taylor(Clifton) of El Paso, TX, Alice Akers of Richmond, VA, Sandy Wade (Barry) of Farmville, VA, Carolyn Watkins (Dean) of Farmville, VA, Brothers Herman Akers (Ernestine) of Richmond, Ronnie Akers of Georgia, Dapo Akers of Kentucky. Three sister in-laws, two brother in-laws, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, two aunts, one God child and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and friends.

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