Atkins was born in the Motlow Creek Community, S.C., on July 5, 1931, the son of the late Alonzo and Sarah (Watkins) Atkins.

He was the husband of Betty Ruth Rhinehart Davis Atkins and was first married to the late Evelyn Solesbee. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Karon Blackwell of Valley Falls, S.C.; three sons, Steve Atkins of Lyman, S.C., Tony Atkins and of Lyman, Keith Atkins of Spartanburg; two sisters, Willowdean Suddeth of Campobello, S.C., and Gail Mills of Greer, S.C.; one brother, Gordon Watkins of Campobello, two step-sons, Ben Davis of Campobello, Jeff Davis of Pendleton, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Mitch Atkins, Christi Poole, Jodi Cantrell, Tim Atkins, Rena Graham, Chris Blackwell, Jennifer Sullivan; three step-grandchildren, Andrew, Mika, and Laura Davis and nine great-grandchildren.

Atkins was owner/operator of Atkins Floor Sanding. He took a lot of pride in his work and made many friends through his work. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church and the Lyman Masonic Lodge.

The family is at the home and will receive friends Monday 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held at Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman, at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2009 with Dr. Tim Clark and Rev. Henry Stanford officiating.

Burial was in Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Interim Hospice, 775 Spartan Boulevard, Suite 101, Spartanburg, S.C. 29301.

Seawright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.seawright-funeralhome.com.