Kenneth Lewey "Ken" Akin

Kenneth Lewey Akin, a man of impeccable integrity, entered eternal peace on March 24, 2026

Ken was born in Albany, GA on January 4,1942. He was 84 and is survived by Janice Carnavas Akin, his wife of 63 years, daughters Julie Akin of Atlanta GA and Shannon Akin Thomas of Charlotte NC, her husband Brad and his grandchildren Ellie Thomas (UNC senior), Brody Thomas (HS junior). He also leaves behind 2 adoring grand dogs, Beau and Chapin.

Besides his high school sweetheart wife and wonderful family, Ken’s countless friends feel the void this man leaves. To his family he was a loving, thoughtful, humble, generous, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. To his friends he was the same. Yet his quick easy smile and soft voice seemed opposite of an unbreakable toughness. His athletic achievements started early as a fullback at Leavelle McCampbell High School where he was “big, fast, and brave” according to his lifelong friend. His athletic career extended into his Navy service where he boxed as well as played football. He moved on to tennis after coming back to Aiken after the Navy. He then moved to running, triathlons, and bicycling.

His athletic achievements, many after becoming Social Security eligible, created an unparalleled class of one. His triathlons, marathons, and countless shorter race successes earned an invitation to the Ironman World Championship. Ken mentored and ran with a group of Team Leukemia runners, rode his bicycle in the Race Across America on a 4-man team from Irvine, CA to Savannah, GA, won two gold medals and a silver at the SC Senior Olympics. However, his depth of character was brightest when he was knocked down. Flat in a ditch after a bicycle crash with a punctured lung and multiple broken bones, his words were, “I’ll be okay.” A month later he was riding again. For all who knew him from training or racing, he was a man’s man.

Though ever reticent to speak of himself, privately he spoke proudly of his US Navy service including duty at NAS Pensacola, San Diego, and Vietnam support onboard the USS Ticonderoga.

He started his career in fine men’s clothing after he left the navy, eventually joining Dupont/Westinghouse at SRS. He retired from Westinghouse and went back to his first love of selling men’s clothing. The Lionel Smith Ltd family was part of his life every day and he cherished his friendships with them as well as his customers.

Once Julie and Shannon left for college, Ken and Janice started their shag career in full force. They quickly became active in the local shag club and never looked back. His love of the dance and the shag community led his involvement in the SOS Board, ACSC, as well as the Hall of Fame foundation. He was inducted into the SC Shaggers Hall of Fame as well as being named as a Shagging Icon and a Living Legend. He may have been the “Grand Poobah of Shagdom” (the daughters’ term, not his) but Janice was always his biggest supporter, spell checker, and best dance partner. He never let his positions go to his head because he always knew who was in charge – Janice first, then the girls, and eventually the grandchildren. He loved the shag community and his countless friends he made along the way.

When Ken’s final hours came, he was doing what he loved, another day on the job selling fine men’s clothing. He left behind a very large hole in so many people’s hearts, but he left us all with so many wonderful memories and lessons. He was a true southern gentleman.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 am at St John’s Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801, with a reception following at the church hall. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s memory to the following organizations near to his heart:

Hall of Fame Foundation (www.halloffamefoundation.org for credit card donations or checks to Hall of Fame Foundation, PO Box 4070, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597)

St. John’s Methodist Church, Aiken SC – Epworth Fund (https://stjaiken.org or St. John’s Methodist Church, Care of Nancy Fairgrieve, PO Box 809, Aiken, SC 29802)

SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare (letlovelive.org or checks to 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken, SC 29801 or call 803-648-6863)

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801