Sammie Bryant Atkins

Sammie Bryant Atkins, 79, husband of Joan Holland Atkins, died Thursday, April 8, 2010 in Forsyth Memorial Hospital. Born in the Rockford Community on January 1, 1931, Mr. Atkins was a graduate of Copeland High School with the Class of 1949. He was retired truck driver having worked with Star Freight in Charlotte, NC A Celebration of Life will be held 2PM Sunday at Salem Baptist Church with Dr. Bobby Lewis and Minister Wade Ikard officiating. Interment will follow in the Atkins Family Cemetery. In addition to his wife, Mr. Atkins is survived by his children, Sandra Thornhill of Huntersville, Jo Ann Bowen and Gerri Hess, both of Charlotte, Ron Ross of Statesville, Don Ross and Ken Ross, both of Atlanta, GA, and Kelly Atkins and Sam B. Atkins, Jr., both of Gastonia. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Deborah Stokes. Thirteen grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a cousin, Jesse Maston Melton of Dobson also survive. Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville, Virginia is assisting the Atkins family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Salem Baptist Church to be used for Missions work, c/o 430 Rockford Road, Dobson, NC 27017.