Gary Curtis Atkinson, age 67, died Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at his home in Pine Flat, MS. He was born January 3, 1945 in Yalobusha County, MS to the late Thomas Franklin and Linda Ruth Thorne. Gary served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Bainbridge, MD. He was employed as a plumber and a part-time farmer until his retirement. Gary was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters and he attended Anchor Baptist Church in Lafayette County, MS. He was a caring father and wonderful grandfather and his world revolved around his three grandchildren. He enjoyed taking care of his farm and his cattle, spending time with family and friends, camping, playing card games, and riding horses with his family.
Visitation will be Monday, August 20, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Gerald Shook officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Flat Cemetery in Lafayette County, MS with Chris Jenkins, Kevin Black, John Levy, Darin Roy, Joey Gardner and Cary Sallis serving as pallbearers.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Teresa Atkinson (Terry Enyeart) of Pine Flat, MS; his son, Bud Atkinson (Ashley) of Pine Flat, MS; one sister, Mary Louise Chandler of Water Valley, MS; one brother, Thomas Franklin Atkinson, Jr. of Water Valley, MS; and three grandchildren, Gabrielle Grace Underwood, Whitney Nicole Atkinson, and Matthew Dylan Atkinson.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Davis Atkinson and one brother, Randall Franklin Atkinson.