Dennis Ray Atkins, Sr.

Amory – Dennis Ray Atkins, Sr., 53, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2015, at Merit Health Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory, MS. Born on January 24, 1962, in Aberdeen, he was the son of the late Helen Jones and Sam Grady Atkins, Sr.

Dennis attended elementary school in Greenwood Springs. He graduated Hatley High School in 1980, Itawamba Junior College in 1982, and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1986. On June 27, 1987, he married Kelli Reeder and together they had three children. His family was the joy of his life. A hard worker, Dennis worked as a Sales Manager at Reeder Farm Supply in Tupelo and with Dekalb Genetics, in Sherman, TX, and in Madison, MS with Pioneer Seed Company as a seed sales rep; and owned and operated Greener Pastures Spraying Service. A member of MS Seedman’s Association, he made wonderful friends with his fellow members.

Dennis was an active member of First United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, lay speaker, Men’s Club cook, youth basketball coach, and was on many other committees. A loving Christian man who loved life, Dennis went out of his way to help family and friends. He had a great soul which was evident to all who met him. A happy man with a great sense of humor, Dennis would often clown around with folks. He was also caring and never said “No” to people in need. As a caring and active father, he coached his kids sports teams, took them camping, hunting and fishing. Dennis was a great cook and loved to “tinker.”

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Kelli Atkins; daughter, Kathryn Evan “Katie” Atkins; and sons, Dennis Ray “Dee” Atkins, Jr., Jordan Reeder Atkins, all of Amory; brother, Sam Grady “Sammy” Atkins, Jr. (Sheila), Amory; nieces and nephews; Whitney McPherson (John Russell); Abby & Samantha Atkins; Elly, Warner & Emerson Lamb of Jackson; Josh & Grant Reeder of Flora; great nephew, Mason McPherson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Grady and Helen Atkins.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, December 30 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy Criddle and Rev. Don McCain officiating. Burial will follow in Sartor Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Kennedy, Donald Dahlem, Glenn Atkins, Eddie Thomas, Keith Baxter, Walter Rice, Wayne Pope, Ron Smith, and Lynn Crump. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Westbrook, Danny Jones, Ronnie Crump, members of 1976-1979 Hatley HS Football Team, Coach (President) Mike Eaton and the members of the 1980-1982 IJC Football Team, Chris Cernosek, and George Stabler.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Tuesday, at First United Methodist Church, Amory. He will lie-in-state at the church on Wednesday from 1 PM until the service hour.

Memorials may be given to MS Organ Recovery Agency, 4400 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232; MS Kidney Foundation, PO Box 55802, Jackson, MS 39296; Diabetes Foundation of MS, 800 Avery Blvd., Ste. 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157; or First United Methodist Church, PO Box 147, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.