Billy “Bill” Ray Atkins, age 77, of the Bowditch Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at his home.
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Albert Vonzo and Rexie Miller Atkins. He was preceded in death as well by his loving wife of 39 years, Edna Lee Stafford Atkins; brothers: C.W. “Dub” Atkins (Margie), Larry Atkins, and E.J. Atkins; and brother-in-law, Harley Murphy.
Bill was of the Pentecostal faith and attended Estatoe Church of God for many years. He loved to read his Bible. He was an employee of Glen Raven for 37 years, as well as an animal farmer and gardener. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, coon hunting and riding his four-wheeler around his property to check on his chickens. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was loved dearly and will be missed greatly by his family.
He is survived by his son, Jeffery Ray Atkins (Donna) of Burnsville; five grandchildren: Dustin Atkins (Andi) of Burnsville, Brittany Wheeler (Josh) of Burnsville, Andrea Hetherington (Tyler) of Marion, Brooke Poteat (Chris) of Marion, and Dylan Shepherd (Callie) of Burnsville; 20 great-grandchildren that he loved dearly; brother, Charles Atkins (Ruth) of Marion; two sisters: Paulene Murphy of Spruce Pine and Barbara Silvers (Harry) of Marion; sister-in-law, Faye Atkins of Estatoe and Mary Magdalene Atkins of Spruce Pine; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 8th at 2 p.m. at Estatoe Church of God. Rev. Wayne Braswell, Rev. Charles Atkins and Preacher Dustin Atkins will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International at P.O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
