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William Atkins Obituary

William James Atkins passed away July 23 while vacationing in Colorado Springs. Bill was born in Shreveport, Louisiana November 12, 1933. He completed his high school education at Sewanee Military Acadamy, and continued his education at Tulane University where he met his wife Ruth Knighton Atkins. After service in the Air Force, Bill and Ruth returned to Shreveport where Bill was an active member of the business community and manager of Atco Investment company for many years. Bill began a tradition of vacationing in Colorado Springs when he was a child vacationing with his parents. As an adult, Bill and Ruth continued to vacation in Colorado Springs where they met many friends at the wonderful restuarants,golf courses,and tennis courts of Colorado Springs. Bill is survived by his lovely wife, Ruth, and their children, Alison Atkins Crowther, Susana Atkins McCarthy and husband Terry, William James Atkins, Jr. and John Edward Atkins and wife Lindsay. He will also be fondly remembered by his two grandchildren Juliette Louise Crowther and William John McCarthy. The family would like to express gratitude for the care provided by Dr. Daniel Tell and his staff; to Jerri Schomaker and her staff at Home Instead Senior Care and to the Colorodo Springs EMS. Funeral services will be conducted at First Methodist Church in Shreveport at Friday, July 29th at 11:00am In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to a charity your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Jul. 28 to Jul. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Atkins

Not sure what to say?





Sara Howard

October 5, 2011

The Worley family extends our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
He will be missed. May you take comfort that God is helping all of you at this sad time.

August 6, 2011

Dear Ruth,
My friendship with you and Bill spans so many years and so many lovely summers in Colorado. I'm so sad and sorry dear Bill is suddenly gone. You and your family are in my heart and thoughts. Ann Smith, Colorado Springs

August 5, 2011

I only knew Mr. Atkins for a few nights while we helped with his care in Colorado, but I was blessed by his beautiful gentle spirit. It was an honor to spend time with him. Sending out thoughts and prayers to his family.
Cathy Duryea [Home Instead Sr.Care]

EDWARD JORGENSEN

August 2, 2011

DEAR RUTH AND FAMILY MEMBERS. MY CONDOLENCES AND SORROW UPON THIS UNPLEASENT EVENT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HELP YOU DURING THESE SAD TIMES.

Godfrey & Gita Bilton

August 1, 2011

We have known Bill & Ruth since 1982 when we met Ruth and their daughter Alison in Monte Carlo. An everlasting friendship began when Ruth invited us to duck hunt in Louisiana and we met Bill for the first time in Shreveport. It was a blind date! We loved him right away and we shall miss him dearly. Our condolences and love to Ruth and the family.
Godfrey and Gita Bilton

Monica Knull

August 1, 2011

Dear Ruth and members of this wonderful Atkins Family
So sad to hear about Bill this way. We will never forget his visit to Argentina. God bless you all and help you go through the sadness.
Monica Knull

July 30, 2011

Our daughter, Eda Smith Giles, has worked for the Atkins family business for many years. Throughout this time she has conveyed to us her respect and love for the family. Thank you for providing her with a wonderful working environment. She will miss Mr. Atlkins whom she always referred to as a 'fine man'. May God sustain you in these hard times. Burt and Margie Smith

July 29, 2011

Mrs Atkins, am so sorry to hear about Mr Atkins. I don't know if you remember me or not, I worked for Delta Airlines and you used to bake me cookies and bring them to the airport. I was and am good friends with Delton Harrison. Sorry I could not be there today, you are in my thoughts and prayer's. God Bless, Jimmy Goff-Addison, Texas.

Peter Eckel

July 29, 2011

My deepest sympathies go out to Ruth and the family. Bill was such kind, warm-hearted, and honorable man. He will be missed by so many within and beyond our Shreveport community.

Elizabeth Joyce

July 29, 2011

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Atkins, kind husband and father. Whenever I saw him he was always funny and sweet. I will miss him.

Heidi Kallenberg

July 28, 2011

Gregory and I are so sorry for the loss of your sweet husband and father. All of our love to you.

David Bates

July 28, 2011

A man of decency and honor. The world is a lesser place in his absence. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Sara Howard

July 28, 2011

I am Sara Worley Howard. Bill and my father, Ralph Worley, worked together in Parade Oil Company for many years. I know he will be greatly missed. We had a nice telephone chat when I came for a visit in December 2005. He was cheerful as always. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. Bill was a very kind and sweet person. Blessings on all of his family.
Sara Howard
[email protected]

Kathryn Bloomfield

July 28, 2011

There are those who truly are larger than life and Mr. Atkins is one. If you know any of the Atkins, you know their father. His wisdom, character, generosity, and modesty shine on through them. My deepest sympathies. Kathryn S. Bloomfield

Daniesl Family

July 28, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest sympathies. May your fond and loving memories of Bill ease the pain of losing him and may the God of all comfort get you through this difficult time

Joel and Rachel Rice

July 27, 2011

Our deepest sympathies to the Atkins family, especially Ruth, John, Susana, Alison and our dear friend Will. We did not know him well, but will say that his good character was obvious and even knowing him a short time was a joy to us. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.

Lynda Hunter

July 27, 2011

My Dearest Ruth,
We have not seen each other in quite sometime but the memories never fade. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief. I send my most heartfelt condolences. You are in my prayers and may God be with you in these sad times.

I remain your friend,
Lynda Mobley Roberts Hunter

JERRY GREENBAUM

July 27, 2011

RUTH

BARBARA AND I ALWAYS ENJOYED SEEING YOU AT GALATOIRES BEFORE THE TULANE BUSINESS SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS AND SPENDING TIME WITH YOU AT THE COUNCIL DINNERS. BILL WAS A GREAT PERSON AND HIS INSIGHT INTO BUSINESS WAS VERY BENEFICIAL TO THE BUSINESS SCHOOL. HE WILL BE MISSED.

PLEASE CALL US WHEN YOU NEXT COME TO NEW ORLEANS. WE WOULD LOVE TO TAKE YOU BACK TO GALATOIRES FOR A CELEBRATION OF A GREAT MAN'S LIFE.

JERRY GREENBAUM

Sally Tucker

July 26, 2011

I have been a family friend for 42 years. I remember Bill walking with family at Nortons Art Gallery and his love for nature and the outdoors. I always knew that the family would be at the Duck Camp for New Years or the farm. Bill was always duck hunting and training and exercising the yellow labs in the side yard.
You will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Mary Crenshaw

July 26, 2011

To the Atkins Family - I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one.
He fought the good fight and is now at eternal peace and rest. Soon the "pain" will pass and only the joy and memories of knowing him will remain forever in our hearts. Ciao Bill!

July 26, 2011

The membership and staff of the Willis Knighton North Fitness and Wellness Center are deeply saddend by the loss of our friend and fellow member, Bill Atkins. He will always be remembered for his warm smile, personable conversations, a strong sense of humor, and his abundant laugh.
Ken Paulovich
Director

Marilyn and Dan Deupree

July 26, 2011

Dear Ruth and Atkins family, Danny and I are in Canada and are saddened by the news of Bill's death. We send our sincere condolences. Sincerely, Marilyn and Dan Deupree

July 26, 2011

susanna, you and your family are in our thougths and prayers.
susan and emile rolfs

Charlotte Webb

July 26, 2011

I know his wife, Ruth who used to be a good friend of my mother. I send my condolences to her and her family.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

July 26, 2011

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to William James (Bill) Atkins our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Bill. And to Bill it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Bill, we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Bill’s family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

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