William “Billy” Owen Atkins, age 77, of Southern Pines, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Pinelake Nursing Home in Carthage, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Vaughn officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Known as Billy to most, he was born in Moore County on August 8, 1940 to Paul and Alma Creed Atkins. He grew up farming on his parent’s tobacco farm. Later in life he started a 30 year career at Proctor Silex, where he was a leadman and a tool and die maker. He ended his career at the Elk’s Lodge as a groundskeeper. He enjoyed cars, cutting wood, gardening and fishing. Billy was a faithful member of his church Highland Baptist Church for over 40 years along with his wife. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Heidi Atkins; children, Johnny Atkins and wife Frances of Vass, Kenny Atkins and wife Mary of Pittsboro, Mark Atkins of Sanford, Gail Key of Fayetteville, Steve Hinesley and wife Jennifer of Carthage; sisters, Ruby Cox and husband Dexter of Cameron and Irene Buie of Vass; fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Alma Creed Atkins and a brother, Jack Atkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bill Atkins Memorial Fund, c/o Cox Memorial Funeral Home, P O Box 651, Vass NC 28394.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Cox Memorial…”Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need.”
Mr. Atkins’ family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
