Wilbur Atkins Obituary

Wilbur "Bill" Raymond Atkins

March 20, 1917 - December 26, 2011

DALLAS -Wilbur "Bill" Raymond Atkins died at home Monday, December 26, 2011 at the age of 94. He was born on March 20, 1917 in Hartford, Connecticut the son of Wallace and Irene Atkins, he was one of two sets of twin boys. He grew up both in Connecticut and on the water front of Sarasota, Florida. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, and was an avid swimmer, boater and outdoorsman. Bill joined the US Navy at the young age of 17 in 1935. He met the love of his life Virginia Bolton while at naval training school in Norfolk, VA. After a short six weekends of courting Bill and Ginny were married December 7, 1939. They moved to San Diego, California and started a family that would grow to seven children. Bill reluctantly retired from the Navy he loved to help Ginny raise a house full of teenagers. After retiring from the Navy in 1955, he worked for General Dynamic's Aerospace, from which he retired in January of 1974. He and his wife moved to Dallas, Oregon to enjoy their retirement together.

Bill was preceded in death on August 24, 2010 by his loving wife of 71 years and on May 27, 2009 by his first born son Ray. He is survived by his children Judy Atkins (daughter-in-law); Irene (Bruce) Sinclair; Kenny Atkins; Linda (Mike) Walder; Jack (Paula) Atkins; Paul (Traci) Atkins and Cheryl Howard; and eighteen grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Bill was a faithful loving husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed. Bill also loved the Lord Jesus Christ and is now truly home reunited with the love of his life Ginny. We miss you both Mom and Dad.

A memorial service will begin at 11:00 am Saturday, January 21st in the Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center at 287 SW Washington St. in Dallas. Private interment will be in the Falls City Cemetery. To leave an on-line condolence for the family please go to www.dallastribute.com.