Obituary of Durward Lee Atkins, Jr.

D. L. Atkins, Jr., 86, passed peacefully May 9, 2020 as he was surrounded by his sons and family.

A Drive Through time of visiting with the family will be held from 11:00AM until Noon, Saturday May 16, 2020 at Shady Grove Wesleyan Church Cemetery in Colfax. A Graveside Service will be held for the family and friends in Shady Grove Wesleyan Church Cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Guilford County, D.L. was the son of the late Annie Mae Stanley Atkins and Durward Lloyd Atkins, Sr. He graduated from Colfax High School, and later served his country with the United States Air Force.

His love of aviation got him employed with Piedmont Airlines as a mechanic until 1989, and later retired from Piedmont Airlines, under the new name US Air in 1993. He had also been a mechanic for Chuck Yeager for a number of years.

He was a longtime member of the Tar Heel Beagle Club, where he raised and ran beagles. He also really enjoyed his golf rounds with his many golf buddies. He also used his mechanic knowledge on the hundreds of lawn mowers he repaired over the years. 

In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eva Lee Wall Atkins; sister, Patty Atkins Coats; brothers, Stanley Atkins, Gene Atkins, Herb Atkins, Tommy Atkins, Paul Atkins, and David Atkins.

Survivors include his sons, Keith Atkins and Natalie, and Curtis Atkins all of Colfax; granddaughters, Courtney Atkins, and Alexis Atkins; sisters, Marie Parrish and Larry of Colfax, and Ann Allen and Hunt of Rock Hill, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Friends and family may sign, and view the guestbook at www.pierce-jeffersonfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.