Billy Atkins

Billy “Bill” T. Atkins, Sr., 88, of Hixson, Tenn., surrounded by his loving family, closed his blind eyes on Jan. 3, 2019, to his earthly home and opened his seeing eyes to behold his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. He was born on Sept. 1, 1930, in Long Island, Ala. He was preceded in death by his parents Argyle and Naomi Atkins and his sister Betty Ruth. Bill attended the University of Chattanooga and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a 55 year member of the Bridgeport F&AM Grand Lodge #543 of Alabama, a 50 year member of the Knights Temple of Chattanooga, past president and member of Highland Sportsman and also was a member of the Wolftever Fishing Club. He retired from Provident Unum and was past president of the Provident Club. Bill was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church and the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class. He enjoyed participating in all the Prime Timers activities. He served on several church committees and was faithful in serving breakfast at the community kitchen. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Nancy Ferguson Atkins, daughter, Beth (Jimmy) Lawrence, of Auburn, Ala., son, Billy Terrell (Ida) Atkins, Jr., of Antioch, Ill., daughter, Amy (Mark) Whitt, of Hixson, Tenn., grandson, Benjamin T. Atkins, of Antioch, Ill., sister, Virginia Atkins, Chattanooga, Tenn., brother, Glenn (Ada) Atkins, Conyers, Ga., brother, Bruce (Mary Ann) Atkins, South Pittsburg, Tenn., and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at Red Bank Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military rites being conducted. The Truth Seekers Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at the funeral home. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com. Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tenn. 37343