Richard Earnest Atkins, Jr.

Richard "Ricky" Earnest Atkins Jr, age 77 of Elliston, VA, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Born October 7, 1946 in Roanoke, VA, to Richard E. Atkins Sr and Helen Proffitt Atkins, his family moved to Elliston in 1950. Ricky graduated from Alleghany High School and was soon drafted into the US Air Force as an Air Craft Maintenance Technician. He spent time in Dover, DE and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, where he met his wife Maria. In addition, he was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Fort Bragg and Andrews Air Force Base, where he worked on Air Force One under President Nixon; he took great pride in being a veteran. After his time in the military, Ricky was a driver for Greyhound, where he drove all over the Eastern US. He then worked in the sheet metal industry, where he was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association until he retired. 

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maria Banon Atkins; his son and daughter, Tommy and Melissa Atkins, grandchildren; Jeremy Atkins, Braelyn Whitelock and Ethan Whitelock and his sister Shirley Hartman and niece, Debbie Surdoval.

 During his life, Ricky had many hobbies, including wood working, raising birds, stained glass and leather working. He was a fierce competitor playing spades and rummy, which was always a battle royal when the family played. Being a devoted fan of Louis L’Amour, he would also spend many hours immersed in western novels. He found much delight in the crisp taste of an icy Coke, the juicy sweetness of fresh tomatoes, the buttery crunch of popcorn, and the comforting warmth of Maria’s fresh baked snicker doodle cookies. 

The family will receive friends at Horne Funeral Home on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 10am until noon. Funeral service, with full military honors, will be held approximately 1:00 at Southwest Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Elliston Rescue Squad.