William Bryant Bill Atkinson

Funeral services for William Bryant "Bill" Atkinson, 83 of Thomasville are 2 pm, Sunday, May 25, 2008 at Allen & Allen Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Ramon Hernandez and Rev. John Stephens will officiate and interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are George Watt, George Stewart, Truman Frances, Harold Cook, Sherman Hall, and Ray Council. Honorary pallbearers are Cecil "Buck" Lawhorne and the Thomasville Gideon Camp. Mr. Atkinson went home to be with his lord and his beloved Margaret, May 21, 2008 at his residence. Born June 6, 1924 in Grady Co, he was the son of the late Jesse Richard Atkinson and Nellie Tilley Atkinson. On October 18, 1946 at First Methodist Church in Thomasville he married Margaret Cook Atkinson who preceded him in death. He was retired from Tuck Implement Co, then had his own business in sales and service and worked with Winn Dixie after retirement. Bill had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His Personal testimony is that he was led to Christ by his child's bedtime prayer and his mission in life was to be a faithful servant to him. He served for many terms as a trustee for Boys Estate of Georgia. He, with 2 other men formed the Thomasville Gideon Camp and served as church assignment leader until his health forced him to relinquish it to a "younger man". He was recently honored by the Thomasville Gideon's for his faithful service for over 50 years and at the time of his death, was the oldest living Gideon in Georgia. He served his church, Dawson Street Methodist, in many capacities over the years. He has taught by example how to serve the Lord, without fanfare, but with conviction. Survivors include daughter, Rossie Atkinson Tullis, son in love Terry Tullis of Thomasville, son William B. Atkinson, Jr., and daughter in love Lea Atkinson of Augusta, Ga, son Richard B. Atkinson of Thomasville, grandchildren Bo Atkinson of Albany, Dina Atkinson of Skagway, Alaska, Robert Atkinson of Augusta, Taylor Atkinson of Augusta, Rachel Soule of Dewey Ok, Richard Atkinson of Thomasville and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sisters, Shelly Atkinson Mitchell, Mabel Atkinson Pearce and brothers, Braxton Atkinson, Harris Atkinson, Andrew Atkinson, and Melbourne Atkinson. The family will receive friends 6-8 pm Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the funeral home. Guests may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com