Richard Eugene Atkins

It is with the utmost sadness that we announce that Richard Eugene Atkins, 65, of Salisbury has passed on to be with his heavenly father and reunited with his beautiful wife Mildred on January 11, 2022.

Born February 9, 1956 in Rowan County, Richard wasn’t always a man of many words but could always be found smiling with his dog Oliver “Ollie”, watching hunting shows or researching the great state of Alaska. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman who loved and respected nature and all of her glory. He was a graduate of East Rowan High School and went on to work and retire from HBD Industries.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Eugene Atkins and mother Jean Taylor Atkins as well as his brother Charles Dale Atkins. Also, he is preceded by his wife of 32 years, Mildred Goodman Atkins, whom he married August 14, 1982.

He left behind his 3 step daughters, Cindy (Mark) Shepherd, Sharon (Steve) Clontz, and Debbie (Kenneth) Austin, as well as 3 step sons, Joe (Phyllis) Keener, Lynn (Katrina) Goodman, and Norman Jr (Hollie) Jordan. His sister Margie (Lynn) Moore, their children Stacie and Daniel Moore, as well as 20 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Although he will be greatly missed, we know that he is celebrating in a far better place than we are.

Graveside Service: 2:00 PM Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Trading Ford Baptist Church, 3600 Long Ferry Rd., Salisbury, NC 28146 with the Rev. Dr. Steve Holshouser officiating.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Atkins family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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