Max Atkinson

Max Atkinson, of Mountain Home, Ark., 73, passed away July 16, 2022, from a tragic boat accident. He was born July 22nd, 1948, in Fordyce, Ark., to the late Dr. Henry Harrison and Mary Maxine Atkinson. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Atkinson of Mountain Home, Ark.; three daughters, Kelly (Trey) Haney of Mountain Home, Ark., Suzanne (Dustin) Smith of Conway, Ark., and Jennifer (Bo) Blankenship of Tulsa, Okla.; two stepsons, Shaun (Lori) Harms and Chris (Amy) Harms of North Little Rock, Ark.; brother, Jim (Gayle) Atkinson of Pensacola, Fla.; and 10 grandchildren, Aidan Mason, Ian Mason, James Harms, Evan Harms, Ava Blankenship, Joslin Haney, Briley Harms, Braylyn Harms, Avery Haney, and Vincent Haney. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Al Reed Atkinson. Max believed in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He built a foundation of faith from an early age and throughout his life would guide others, reminding them to seek God and redirecting them back to Jesus. Max loved his wife, "Baby Girl", Debbie. They were married 22 years. His family was everything to him. He loved his daughters with all his heart, and his 10 grandchildren. Each grandchild has a special memory of their grandad. Whether fishing trips, shooting hoops, receiving life advice, they loved and respected him so much. Max was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved educating those around him about true conservation, encouraging a love for the great outdoors. Another one of his true passions was coaching. He coached the Lady Bomber Soccer Team to two, state championships, alongside his wife, Debbie. For 20 years, Max was the public address announcer for Bomber football, basketball and soccer. He was a true Bomber fan. Max was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor. "Bubs and Sluggers" were instant friends. He often said, "If You're Gonna Be a Bear, Be a Grizzly". There are many "Maxisms"-words of wisdom that made you laugh, and made you think. He was a vessel of light and goodness with a servant's heart. He served his God, his family, his church, his community and schools, his beloved soccer team and their families fiercely with great love, care and intention. He left a lasting legacy, and will be missed greatly. Visitation will be Monday, July 18, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life for Max will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, with Reverend Daniel Thueson and Reverend Randy Ludwig officiating. Memorials may be made to the Max Atkinson Scholarship Fund at First Security Bank. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Ark. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.