Mr. James Roy Atkins, 85, of Old 29 Hwy, Hartwell, went to be with the Lord, Monday, July 18, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living Center, Hartwell.

Born on July 15, 1931 in Elberton GA, he was the son of the late James Isom "Jack" Atkins and Eunice Shiflet Atkins. Mr. Atkins began his career at Moore's Cadillac/Oldsmobile of Elberton, GA and was educated at the General Motors School of Automotive Technology in Atlanta. He retired with 30 years service with the US Army Corps of Engineers as chief maintenance supervisor. He was a member of the Milltown Baptist Church, attending First Baptist Church of Hartwell as a member of the Fellowship Bible Sunday School Class.

James was known as a man of many talents and the ultimate handy man for his family and friends. He could be found riding his motorcycle, carrying his grandchildren on the back.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lattie Herring Atkins; one son, Mike Atkins and his wife Daneen of Hartwell; two grandchildren: Allison and Kristen Atkins, who were the light of his life. Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 21, 2016, 11:00 am in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Dr. Steve Albanese and Rev. Carter Tucker officiating.Burial will be in the Milltown Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.The family is at the home of Mike and Daneen Atkins, 915 Mt. Hebron Road, Hartwell, GA 30643.Flowers are optional or memorials may be made in his honor to the Christian organization or charity of one's choice.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.