Robert Dale Atkins, died suddenly at home in Humboldt, on Friday, December 9, 2011, he was 77. "Bob" was born in Gibson, TN on September 9, 1934, the only child of James Robert and Mary Ruth Atkins.
Mr. Atkins graduated from Gibson High School. He began his college education at Tulane University and later attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned a Bachelor of Science, graduating in 1956. At Ole Miss, he met his college sweetheart, Myra Jane Hudson, the daughter of John Reed and Maurice Brigham Hudson from Coldwater, MS. They were married June 14, 1956, afterwards they moved to New York while he served two years as a corporal in the United States Army.
After his service, Bob returned to Gibson and founded R.G. James Produce Company. Through his hard work ethic and love of farming, it became one of the largest produce farming operations in the Southeast. Later, he served as a Director with the United States Housing and Urban Development working in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis. He and Jane have resided in Humboldt for the past 53 years.
Bob loved to be outdoors. He could always be found tending to yardwork or his gardens. He raised numerous vegetables and flowers, which he shared wholeheartedly with his many friends and family. His flower gardens were "world renowned" by many residents of Humboldt.
He was an avid reader of history, continually reading multiple books at a time during his years of retirement. He loved telling stories of his past with his friends. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Humboldt and looked forward to hearing Pastor Ramer's sermons on Sunday. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and a great love for his children and grandchildren; they will forever miss, "Pop".
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Myra Jane Atkins; daughter, Anne Atkins Short and husband Douglas Fisher Short; their children, Anne Fisher and Ashley Brigham of Humboldt; daughter, Mary Atkins McCarroll and husband John Ramsey "Mac" McCarroll III; their children, Mary Marshall and Virginia Rowan of Memphis, TN; daughter-in-law, Jane Evans Atkins; grandchildren, Robert Hudson Atkins, Jr., Carrie Horn Atkins and Lawrence King Holcomb all of Memphis; his mother, Mary Ruth Atkins of Gibson.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Robert Atkins of Gibson; his son, Robert Hudson Atkins of Memphis.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Monday, December 12, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Humboldt, TN with Justin Ramer officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12 noon til 2 p.m. on Monday before the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 13, 2011
Joy Wall
I will never forget Bob's wit and friendship. He will be sorely missed. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Remember the good times always.
December 12, 2011
Jim Jenkins
Sorry to hear of Bob's passing.Fond memories of him telling everybody about how rough ai was when I ispected his houses and that I wouldn't take a watermelon when he had a train load. We had a great association in the Nashville office
December 12, 2011
Jim Jenkins
December 12, 2011
Bill Dirl
I express sincere sympathy to the Atkins family and pray that God will strengthen and undergird you at this time. Bob and I worked together in the Knoxville and Nashville HUD Offices. He was a true friend and mentor. Bill Dirl, U.S. Department of HUD (Retired)
December 12, 2011
Mark Brezina
I will miss Bob. Bob was a wonderful fellow, outstanding manager, and had a great wit. He was funny. I enjoyed the time that I spent with him in HUD. He will be missed. Bob's family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Brezina
Deputy Regional Administrator
Region VI
December 12, 2011
Elizabeth (Sanford) Cude
Mrs. Atkins.
I just wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. I remember as a child how precious and sweet your family was when we were neighbors. You have and will always have a special place in mine and Ed's heart. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 12, 2011
Donzaleigh Frazier
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 12, 2011
Iris-Ann Nguyen
Mrs. Atkins and family,
So saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My heartfelt goes out to you and your family. I really enjoy working with Bob. He is a wonderful person to know. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss talking to him and his emails.
Iris-Ann Nguyen
December 12, 2011
Eddie Gray
I am glad to have known Bob. I realize that you have lost a special person. May the God of comfort help you during this difficult time and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 11, 2011
Ed Sanford
Mrs. Jane, Anne and family,
I was terribly saddened to hear of Mr. Bob's passing. He was always so very kind to me as a young boy and to my family. Please know that you are in our prayers and the world is a better place for his time here.
Ed Sanford
December 11, 2011
Ken and Amy (Short) Zieminski
Anne, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 11, 2011
My most heartfelt sympathy goes to the family in their time of sorrow. I hope you believe as I that he will live in all of our most cherished memories forever.
M.Grove, Mphs,TN
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Funeral services provided by:
George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home2812 North Highland, Jackson, TN 38305
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