He was was born on May 26, 1933 in Cedartown, the son of the late James C. and Addie Smith Atkins.
Father Atkins was a graduate of St. Meinrad College and School of Theology. He was ordained May 28, 1975. He served as a U.S. Army chaplain for 24 years.
Pastoral assignments were at St. Jude Church, Sandy Springs, St. John Church, Hopeville, St. Mary’s Church, Rome, Holy Family Church, Monastery of Our Savior, Steubenville, Ohio, St. Joseph Church, Akron, Ohio, St. Nicholas Church, Barberton, Ohio, St. Michael Church, Akron, Ohio, St. John Church, Minneapolis, Minn., St. Joseph Church, Toronto, and St. John the Baptist Church, Mingo Junction, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Cordie Mae McInvale, Lucy Dingler and Eunice Atkins and his brother, Claude Atkins.
He leaves behind seven nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law, Dorotha Atkins of Rockmart.
Burial was held in Holy Spirit Cemetery in Parma, Ohio. Condolences may be offered online at www.jefosterfh.com
The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home made the local announcement.