William Atkins, 87, of Coldwater, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 at Drew’s Place of Coldwater.
The funeral will be Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
William was born May 12, 1924 in Cardiff, South Wales, England to Frank & Elsie (Tucker) Atkins. In 1926, they came from Wales to Williams Lake, British Columbia where he had served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. In 1948 they relocated to the Detroit area. Mr. Atkins married Beryl Benedict on April 2, 1950 in Coldwater, making it their permanent home in 1954.
William had formerly worked for Wilbur Read’s coin sorting factory, Stokes Marine and then for 20 years at Climax Specialty Metals from where he retired in 1984.
Mr. Atkins loved nature and the outdoors and had spent much time traveling, especially to the U.P. in Grand Marais, MI. He enjoyed playing golf and had fun playing practical jokes on others. Bill was known by many as the “man who drove the burnt orange Grand Am.” He loved to drive and spent countless hours cruising around town.
Bill is survived by his son David (Connie) Atkins of Coldwater, his daughters Dianne Atkins of Manchester, MI, Deb (Donald) Rogers of Coldwater, his grandchildren Kristine Lyles, Nick(Jaime) Rogers, Tony (Blair) Rogers and Michael Rogers, and his great grandson Syler Lyles. He was preceded in death by his wife Beryl on December 6, 1982, his sister Pearl Atkins and his grandson Doug Atkins in 2011.
Memorials may be directed to The Branch County Humane Society