Editor’s Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com
FORTWALTON BEACH — An act of kindness directed Danny Adkison to his calling as a music minister.
As a young man, Danny played guitar at nightclubs. He went along with his wife, Lucille, to church, but the services never resonated with him.
One day, Danny came down with the flu, and even though it was contagious, the church’s minister didn’t hesitate to visit and pray with him. His goodness struck Danny.
“(Danny) put down his guitar,” said his wife, Lucille Adkison.
“And picked up a Bible,” Danny followed up with a smile.
Danny has spent the past 52 years in music ministry, spreading his talents among four local churches over those years.
“I enjoyed every bit of it,” Danny said.
He worked at Cinco Baptist Church for 12 years, Wright Baptist Church for 23 years, New Hope Baptist Church for over four years, and Oakland Baptist Church for the past 10 years.
This week, Danny decided it was finally time to retire from a staff position with the church.
“I’ve tried completely retiring, and it made me miserable,” the 85-year-old said with a laugh.
Darla Garner, who nominated Danny for Making a Difference, said she doesn’t know how the Oakland Baptist Church congregants will get through the goodbye dinner.
“He’s just an encourager,” Garner said. “He always has a listening ear.”
Besides traveling and visiting his children, Danny plans to continue working with local churches and the community.
“He goes where the need is,” Lucille said.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.