John Edward Atkins

JOHN EDWARD ATKINS, 85, of Little Rock passed away Jan. 10, 2017. John was born Nov. 14, 1931 to Edward Carl and Gladys Pool Atkins. He was raised in Chidester, Ark., and graduated from Hope High School in 1950. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1956 with a BS in Business Administration. John joined the Army and served from 1955 to 1957. After his service, he began his career with the Travelers Insurance Company where he worked for 31 years, retiring as manager of the Little Rock office where he was known as an excellent recruiter and trainer of employees, taking great pride in the success of those whose talents he helped to develop. John was also a real estate broker for 40 years. He was a 32nd degree Shriner and former 1st chairman of the Little Rock CBMC. Throughout his life, he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, who enjoyed taking his bird dogs out with his son, grandson and many good friends. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who enriched the lives of many people over his lifetime. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 40 years. John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeanette Wright Atkins of Springdale; his son, John Edward (Jay) Atkins, Jr. of Little Rock; his daughter, Sheree King of North Little Rock; his grandson, John and his wife, Dr. Julianne Martin of Lonoke; granddaughter, Christen and her husband, Chase Shaw of Atlanta; his brother, W. Robert (Bob) and his wife, Dr. Mary Jewell Atkins of Benton; brother-in-law, Max Wright and his wife, Terri Flanagan of Harrison; and nieces and nephews, including Rev. Paul and Julie Atkins, Scott and Laura Wegener, Jackie Jackson, Carryl, Tommy, Derek and Chip Wright. Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 16 at noon at Immanuel Baptist Church Chapel. Services will follow at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Rick Jaggars. Interment will follow the service at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Honorary pall bearers include Doyle Huey, John Kapp, Dr. Ronnie Roberson, John Moore, Ken Lamaire, Jim Wallace, Judge Floyd Lofton, Dave Woodman, Darry Elliot, Don Skrivanos, and Bill Skrivanos. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Missions Go Team or the Little Rock Compassion Center. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. John's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.