Sgt. Donald Louis "Red" Atkinson, US Army Ret., died Sunday, January 15, 2017 at his home following an extended illness.
Born October 4, 1943, in Franklin County, he was the son of the late Willie Jeptha Atkinson and Sara (Leaford) Coker. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the VFW Post 5897. He formerly worked as a mechanic. Mr. Atkinson was the owner of Big Gun Produce.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Martha (Williams) Atkinson; and siblings: Spurgeon Atkinson, Kenneth Atkinson, Arthur Atkinson, and Linda Atkinson.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Kimberly and Donald Ray Huston; brothers: Doug Atkinson and Billy Atkinson; sisters: Ruth Smith, Catherine Moore, Brenda Vaughn, Thelma Atkinson, and Shirley Shiretzki; grandson: Randy Huston; companion: Carolyn Harris; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Stowe officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors in Middle River Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At other hours, the family will be at the homes of Kimberly Huston and Brenda Vaughn.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.