With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Master Sergeant Ralph Leon Adkins–a devoted husband, father, Son, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and proud United States Marine. Ralph passed away on May 26, 2025, in Wildomar, California, at the age of 71.
Born on July 27, 1953, in Henry County, Virginia, Ralph was the son of Mattie Ethel Adkins (Martin) and the late Ralph Glenwood Adkins (1932–2022). He was also preceded in death by his brother Perry Benjamin Adkins (1961–2005). He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Robin Lynn Adkins; daughter Jessica Robin Adkins Cook; son Eric Ralph Adkins; grandchildren Alyson Adkins, Evan Adkins, Liam Adkins, Florabelle Adkins; step-granddaughters Katie Cook and Kiarra Cook; and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his mother Mattie Ethel Adkins and brother Victor Roger Adkins.
Ralph graduated from Fieldale High School in Collinsville, Virginia. He went on to further his education at Palomar Community College and Western Truck School. His life’s calling led him to serve his country with distinction as a United States Marine for over two decades. Enlisting in 1972 and retiring in 1993 as a Master Sergeant, Ralph’s military career was marked by honor and dedication.
Throughout his 20 years of service, Ralph served in numerous locations across the globe including Parris Island, SC; Camp Pendleton, CA; Quantico, VA; Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington D.C.; Camp Lejeune, NC; Iwakuni and Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan; Camp Fuji, Japan; Cincinnati, OH; Saudi Arabia; Kuwait; and multiple assignments back at Camp Pendleton. He served bravely during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Ralph completed three tours in Japan—at Iwakuni, Camp Butler Okinawa, and Camp Fuji—demonstrating his unwavering commitment to duty across diverse environments. His Military Occupational Specialties included Rifleman (0311), Light Vehicle Operator (3535), Recruiter (8411), Metal Worker (1316), and Engineer Equipment Capital Chief (1349).
His exemplary service earned him numerous commendations including two Expert Rifle Badges, a Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, a Navy Achievement Medal, three Meritorious Masts, three Good Conduct Medals (including one silver star and one gold star), a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars, a Southwest Asia Service Medal with two stars, an Overseas Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. These honors reflect not only Ralph’s skill but also his steadfast dedication to excellence throughout his military career.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph was known for his deep love of family and his passion for life. He found joy riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and cruising in his Corvette. A true enthusiast of classic cars and motorsports, he enjoyed attending car shows and watching NASCAR races and automotive programs on television. He also loved hunting, fishing, off-roading adventures, and working on his beloved vehicles.
Ralph’s faith was an important part of his life. He worshipped at CCBC Collinsville Covenant Brethren Church in Collinsville, Virginia and Faith Baptist Church in Wildomar, California.
To those who knew him best, Ralph was a man of steel—a hero whose strength was matched only by his devotion to God and country. His legacy lives on through the generations he inspired with courage and integrity.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2025, from 1-4 PM at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post, located at 21180 Waite Street, Wildomar, CA.
A funeral service will take place on June 30, 2025, from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the woundedwarriorproject.org in Ralph’s honor.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine. “May his memory bring peace and comfort to all who knew and loved him. Semper Fi.
