William P. Atkins
BOSSIER CITY, LA – William P. “W.P.” Atkins, aviator and flying enthusiast, ascended into Heaven, halo and wings intact, to meet his Lord and Savior on the morning of August 4, 2016, after multiple complications from a brief illness.
On hand to meet him at the Pearly Gates were his parents, Emmett and Myrtie and his first wife, Dorothy Sherrill Atkins, with whom he had two children, William C. “Billy” Atkins and Vada Renea Atkins Almond. Betty Russell Atkins, his beloved second wife, his sister-in-law, JoAnn and a number of other family members were also there. Betty had three children from her former marriage, namely Jerome Branton, Janice Cooley, and Jeffrey (Branton) Atkins who was lovingly adopted a short time after the holy union of Betty and W.P.
Mr. Atkins’ Going Home Celebration was held on Sunday, August 7, 2016. Upon his specific earthly instructions, Mr. Atkins requested a grave side service only, and it was to be short and to the point. After TAPS was beautifully and dutifully performed by a representative of the Buglers Across America, his friend and confidant, Mr. Al Kimball, officiated the uplifting service.
His daughter, Renea, offered the closing remarks. Mr. Atkins’ sister, Margie Westbrook and his brother Emmett “Red” Atkins were in attendance, as well as his children, their spouses, Denise and Mike, respectively; also steps and spouses, grands, great-grands, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Atkins requested donations be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, or to the El Karubah Shrine in Shreveport, LA.
The family would like to thank Dr. Roy Fleniken, Raven King-Smith, Wanda Harris and Rayshon Harris-Oxley for their kindness, strength, honesty and his scooter – ESPECIALLY that scooter, Raven – during Mr. Atkins’ residency at the NWLA War Veteran’s Home.
Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home
Haughton, LA
318-949-9415
