Teaching, maintaining a large research program, and war time pressure took a heavy toll on Adkins' strength. While playing a game of golf in the late spring of 1949, Adkins suffered a minor heart attack. He concluded that as soon as he had the chance to get treatment, he would. After a meeting with other interested chemists regarding his research, Adkins suffered a larger heart attack and was hospitalized for roughly a month. Adkins' condition seemed to improve, so he was sent home. His health suddenly again began failing rapidly. Weakened and bed-ridden, Adkins died on August 12, 1949.