Richard Gerald Atkinson, Jr.

Richard Gerald Atkinson, Jr. 53, died peacefully at his Johnsonville home on Monday, February 12, 2018, after an extended battle with cancer. His wife and children were at his side. Gerald was born February 1, 1965, in Florence, SC, to Richard G. and Betty D. Atkinson. He married Julie Hanna Atkinson in Hemingway in 1983. Family and faith were his life.

Mr. Atkinson was a dedicated and awarded auto body repair technician and service manager. Formerly an active member of Grace & Glory Ministries, he was most currently a member of the Lake City PH Church. During his life, he served in various church leadership positions including, among others, Royal Ranger Commander, Young Adult Mentor and Men’s Ministry Director. His interests included family and photography, travel, history, blacksmithing, and woodworking.

Preceded in death by his parents, Gerald is survived by his wife, Julie, and their children Rachel Christina Atkinson and Stephen Joshua Atkinson (April Roberts Atkinson) and a granddaughter, Eleanor Isalene Atkinson. He also leaves behind one sibling, Timothy Lenair Atkinson (Jennifer Hurst Atkinson), as well as in-laws Susan Hanna Gause (Joseph Gause) and Gregory Hanna (Nick Singleton); a niece, Brittany M. Stone; and two nephews, J. Alec Gause and Cody T. Atkinson.

Family, friends, and peers will remember Gerald’s humility, sense of humor and love of animals and babies. He was a friend to everyone and loved God. No doubt, he entered heaven’s gates with these words on his lips: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 New International Version (NIV).

Dr. Mark Evans will preside at a memorial service at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel, Scranton, SC on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 4:00 PM, with visitation immediately following.

Donations may be sent to MUSC Cancer Research, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, St. Frances Animal Shelter, 125 North Ridge Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, or Amedysis Hospice, 500 Pamplico Highway, Suite D, Florence, SC 29505. 

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