William H. Atkinson, Sr.

William Henry Atkinson died at his lifelong home at the age of 78 on August 14th, 2019.

He is survived by his brothers Dennis and Daniel and sister Anne; children William (Denise), Renata, Matthew (Maria), and Sarah; grandchildren Tiffany, Ariel, Sapphire, Catherine, Christian, Jacob, and David; great-grandchild Cameron; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his faithful, loyal, and loving dog Buddy. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, parents Julia Estelle Pulliam Atkinson and Finley Dennis Atkinson, and his brothers Kenneth, Ronald, and Jack.

William’s family and his faith were the most important things to him. Please enjoy some favorite memories and sentiments from the family.

My favorite memory with Dad was going on the camping trip in the Bear Paw van Down the Blueridge parkway and backup the coastline, never knowing where we would breakdown and need to fix it as we went - Bill

My favorite memory with Dad is harvesting sassafras roots in the forest of the West Virginia Mountains. It is one of my earliest memories and a moment that that I think defined the person that I would grow into. It was a serene and happy moment between us, followed by my awe and excitement at learning that I could find my own food out in the forest! All of my life I’ve carried with me that sense of connection with nature, between me and my Dad, and among our friends and family later that evening as they smiled and laughed, drinking the sassafras tea that we had made for them over the fire. – Renata

My favorite memories of Dad were when I was little he would take Sarah and I to the creek and we would collect golf balls and go swimming. - Matt

It is not just one memory of my dad, but a lifetime of memories. My Dad was the true constant in my life, the unwavering, ever present strength. Always there to help no matter if I was sick, hurt, broke down, lost whatever the situation my Dad was always my hero. Until the very end, he was my superman. I will always admire him for strength, his will, his knowledge, his skills, his generosity, his steadfastness and resolute faith in God. He had a profound impact on the lives of everyone who knew him. He will be loved and missed - Sarah

My favorite memory of Grandpa was Christmas 2013. Everyone had finished opening their presents, Grandpa Led me to the kitchen and there was a new pink bike in the kitchen and I was a very happy and said thank you and gave Grandpa a big hug. – Cathy

One thing that stands out for me was his faith in God. He always told me how important it is to pray always and to study the Bible. - Maria