Edward J. Adkins' Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Edward J. Adkins
With both heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share the passing of Edward J. Adkins of Baltimore, who left us peacefully on August 26, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Ed’s story began in Annapolis, where he was born, and continued through his childhood in North Carolina. It was at the University of North Carolina that his life truly took shape when he met Cheryl, who would become his true partner in every sense of the word. Together, they embarked on a remarkable 58-year marriage filled with shared adventures, quiet contentment, and the deep satisfaction of building a life together. They traveled the world, raised their beloved daughters, and found joy in both the extraordinary moments and the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Ed’s sharp intellect led him to the University of Maryland Law School, where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class and earned membership in the prestigious Order of the Coif. His legal career flourished at Miles & Stockbridge, where he became a respected voice in employee benefits law. Colleagues knew him not only for his legal acumen—which earned him frequent recognition among Baltimore’s Best Lawyers—but also for his quick wit, his warmth, and that impeccable sense of style that once landed him on the list of Baltimore’s Best Dressed.
When retirement arrived, Ed’s creative spirit found new outlets. Through “Creations by Lalo,” he discovered the meditative art of tailoring, crafting garments with the same precision and care he had once brought to legal briefs. His kitchen became another canvas for creativity as he dove into gourmet cooking, delighting family and friends with inventive dishes that reflected his adventurous palate and generous heart.
Ed’s greatest pride, however, came from fatherhood. When he and Cheryl adopted their daughters from Chile, they didn’t just expand their family—they opened their hearts to an entire culture. Ed carried a lifelong love for Chile and its people, and the gratitude he felt for the gift of fatherhood never dimmed. He approached parenting with the same thoughtfulness he brought to everything else, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.
Music was Ed’s constant companion throughout his life. He was drawn to the soaring power of the Romantic composers and the refined elegance of neoclassical styles, finding in music the perfect expression of life’s complexity. Like the compositions he loved, Ed embraced both the light and shadows of existence, understanding that true beauty often lies in the interplay between joy and sorrow, triumph and struggle.
Perhaps no relationship better exemplified Ed’s capacity for deep friendship than his bond with Chuck Gerber. Their friendship was a source of constant joy and strength, a testament to Ed’s ability to create lasting connections that enriched his life immeasurably.
Those who knew Ed will remember a man who charmed nearly everyone he met, who filled his days with generosity and laughter, and who possessed that rare quality of making others feel truly seen and valued. Most telling of all, Ed often said he had no regrets—not because his life was without challenges, but because he had lived with intention, embraced love over fear, and found gratitude in every chapter of his story.
Ed leaves behind his beloved wife and partner Cheryl; his cherished daughters Susan and husband Patrick Gillespie, and Holly and husband Don Slack; his adored grandchildren Edward, Elsie, Donna, and Ilona, who brought endless light to his later years.
A viewing will be held Friday, September 5 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00am at Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles St, Baltimore, 21230.
The music that brought Ed such joy throughout his life can continue to touch hearts through your generosity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, ensuring that the beauty he so cherished will resonate for generations to come. Giving | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra https://www.bsomusic.org/giving/
To view livestream of service please see provided link https://www.youtube.com/live/Gzn91Lunaks
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