Donald Atkins

Donald Edward Atkins, Sr passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 16, 2018.

He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on August 24, 1940 and was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Emmanuel Atkins, and his mother, Murrell Brooks Atkins.

He is survived by his wife, Darby McDaniel Atkins; son, Donald E. Atkins, Jr., and wife Louann Atkins; daughters, Carey Atkins Griffin and husband Web Griffin,  and Kimberly Atkins Burns and husband, Troy Burns;  grandchildren, Taylor Harlow Yoder and husband Tyler Yoder, Rachel and Bryelle Cote, Tiffany Burns Barringer and husband Jake Barringer, Troy Burns Jr., and Jessica Burns;  great grandchildren, Emmielou Arlene Yoder, Gage, Huntley, and Oakley Barringer, and John Burns; sister, Joan Atkins Kent; brother, Joseph Garnett Atkins and wife, Susan Atkins; brother, Scott Atkins and wife Jackie Atkins, sister; Diane Coffey and husband Robert Coffey; brother in law, George Thornhill McDaniel and wife, Andrea McDaniel; brother in law, Duval Meads McDaniel and wife, Lucia McDaniel; nephews, Jay Kent and wife Vanessa, Jason Kent and wife, Sarah, Chris McDaniel; nieces, Katie McDaniel, Darby McDaniel, Stephanie Atkins, Kristen Atkins, Gina Atkins, Taylor Atkins, Skylar Ayres, Meggin Snyder and husband Gene, Kendra Elder and husband, Mark, Lisa Darby and Brian;  cousin, Chuck Spruill and wife, Anne, and their son, Will, as well as many other cousins. Family was very important to him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Donnie graduated from E.C. Glass High School, attended East Tennessee State University, graduated from the Virginia Maryland Bank Management School at the University of Virginia, and graduated from the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University. He started his banking career as a runner for First and Merchants National Bank and ended his fifty two year career at Select Bank.

He was very involved in his community and served as a board member of Campbell County Social Services Board, Campbell County Public Library Foundation, Campbell County Economic Development Commission, Campbell County Rescue Squad, Alliance for Family and Children, and many other professional organizations and social clubs in Bedford, Kenbridge, Chatham, and Lynchburg. His dedication to this community earned him the moniker “The Mayor of Timberlake Road.

Donnie loved any sport that involved a ball period. Even though he was an E.C. Glass graduate he bled Brookville Maroon and Gold. You could always find him under the lights watching his beloved Brookville High School Footballs Teams. His favorite sport was basketball. He coached youth league basketball for 20 years and was recognized by the Timbrook Basketball league for coaching and mentoring area youth. He never met a stranger he didn’t know. One of his favorite activities was going to the Food Lion along Timberlake Road just to meet and talk with a stranger. The next time you walk past a stranger, say hello and shake a hand. Tell him the “Mayor” says hello. He simply had a great way of people.

A special thank you to the EC glass class of 1958, the R.O.M.E.O. Club and the men of El Cabritos. He loved you all!!!

Please consider a donation to one of the following: Brookville High School Athletics, Gentle Shepard Hospice of Lynchburg, Timberlake Volunteer Rescue Squad, or Challenged Sports Exchange

The family will receive friends Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church: 20957 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.