Christopher Williams Appkins was born on October 16, 1970 in Opp, Alabama. He was the oldest of 4 children, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age at the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. He spent his youth in Florala, Alabama until he entered the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega. While in school he played football and earned the nickname "Big A." He graduated in 1990 with a high school diploma and later obtained a certificate in printing.
After returning home to Florala, Chris was employed with Conagra for several years until his health failed him. He kept a cheerful attitude although he had health challenges. He would often tell his family and friends to have a "blessing day yall." He loved communicating with his friends on Facebook, especially those in the deaf community. He also loved to watch football and cheer for his favorite team, Florida State University. Chris enjoyed traveling and took trips throughout the Southeast with his friends. He attended several homecoming activities at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind.
Chris was called home to eternal rest on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp, Alabama, the location of his birth. He is survived by his mother Hattie Appkins (Florala, AL); two sisters Keshia Appkins (Atlanta, GA) and Tonya Appkins (Florala, AL); a brother Matthew Lewis (Selma, AL); three nephews Darius Appkins, Kendrick Appkins and Amarion Appkins; a special cousin Belinda DeVaughn; his best friend Willie; his best friend Willie Qualls; and a host of family and friends.