James R Atkinson Sr.'s Obituary
James R Atkinson Sr. age: 79 of Hawthorne passed away Monday, September 19, 2022 at Cates House – Marion County Hospice. He was born in Cadwell, Georgia on March 7, 1943 to Earnest Jeff and Louise Spivey Atkinson. He moved to Florida in 1946 at the age of 3.
He worked for Frito-Lay retiring after 31 years as a Route Salesman. Prior to Frito Lay he worked at Carltons Dairy in Hawthorne for many years and Sportsmen’s Haven Fish Camp in Cross Creek as a Fishing Guide. He enjoyed his work, loved people, and truly never met a stranger. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling with his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. He worked hard and never missed any of his childrens sporting events. He loved College Sports and the Florida Gators. He was a faithful Christian of the Baptist Faith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Della Atkinson; son, James R. “Rudy” Atkinson, Jr. (wife Amber); daughter, Paula Denise Taylor (husband Scotty); son, Ben Edward Atkinson (wife Cheryl); grandchildren, Michael A. Atkinson (wife April), Ryan J. Atkinson, Jaci N. Atkinson, Riley W. Atkinson, Evan J. Atkinson, Ally D Atkinson; great grandchildren, Connor J. Atkinson, Kelsey J. Atkinson; brothers, Billy Atkinson (wife Dot) and Jerry Atkinson
He was preceded In death by an infant son, John Roland Atkinson; his mother, Louise Atkinson Harrell; father, Earnest J. Atkinson; sisters: Rita Mae Hopkins, Gladys Silas; brothers, Eugene “Gene” Atkinson and Frankie Atkinson.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Lakeside Baptist Church (formerly known as First Baptist Church Hawthorne) 22027 S.E. 65th Avenue. Hawthorne, with Pastor Shawn Goode officiating. Interment will follow at Hawthorne Cemetery. The family will receive friends one half hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the EW and Lucille Cates House of Hospice Marion County, 9505 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL 34481.
What’s your fondest memory of James R?
What’s a lesson you learned from James R?
Share a story where James R's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James R you’ll never forget.
How did James R make you smile?

