My beloved husband, Don Lee Atkins, Sr., was born to the late John and Jessie Mae Boyd-Atkins on August 3, 1963, in Louisville, Georgia.  Don passed on August 16, 2022, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  A golden heart stopped beating; hard working hands were put to rest.  Don was a   phenomenal man.

Don graduated from Louisville High School in 1981.  He attended Jones Grove Baptist Church in Louisville, Georgia.  In 1985, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He was promoted to Sergeant  and served as an infantry weapons repairer for ten years.  On June 16, 1995, Don and Ethel Nelson were united in holy matrimony.  During that year, Don became a commercial truck driver.  He worked for MD Trucking Company, Silver Eagle-Arnold, Raven Transport, and Rolls Brothers, Inc.

Don leaves a legacy of love, strength, and humility to his children, Don Atkins, Jr., Kenya Atkins,  Donnel Hinkins, Dontrel Hinkins, Donielle Atkins, and Denise Carr; his stepson, Steven Arnold; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Randy Atkins and Michael Atkins; and his sisters, Susanne    Atkins-Wells and Deborah Atkins-Terrell.  He leaves to cherish fond memories his loving siblings, Gene (Bessie) Boyd, Billy (Barbara) Atkins, Larry Atkins, Johnny (Daphne) Atkins, Louise (Ronnie) Ponder, Patricia (Steve) Hinkins, Sabrina Atkins, and Shawanna Atkins.  He also leaves sisters and brothers-in-law, Cheryl Plummer, Rosa Brown, Paralee Campbell, Mary Nelson, Mamie Nelson, Eddie (Salbiah) Nelson, and Charles (Mattie) Nelson.