John Franklin Atkinson

John Franklin Atkinson, 82, went to be with our Savior and his beloved wife, Joyce, Saturday October 6, 2018.

John, known to many as “Frank”, was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on April 10, 1936 to the late James and Eunice Atkinson.  Frank raised his family of five daughters in Fayetteville and has spent the last 13 years of the life he loved living in the home of his daughter and son-in-law Gene and Doris Ann. 

Frank served in the Navy, worked for Atlantic Tobacco Company, and retired from Kelly Springfield Tire Company.  His favorite occupation was being a grandpa, or as he was called, “papa” to his grandchildren and friends.  Despite many medical adversities, Frank spent his days working in his yard, fishing at the beach, gardening, and entertaining family and friends.  Frank could always be found sitting with the team at his grandson’s, Kristopher McMurray’s, soccer games at FTS.

Frank is survived by his younger brother Gerald, daughters Connie Ortiz, Frankie Beeler and husband Steve, Doris Ann McMurray and husband Gene, and Brenda Taylor.  Left to honor his memory are grandchildren Johnny Ortiz and wife Lisa, Jennifer and Ian, Kerrie White and husband David, Steven Beeler, Kristina Schell and husband Greg, Ashlea Taylor, and Kristopher McMurray.  Also left to cherish his memory are his great grandchildren Cheyanne Edalgo, Steven Browning, Daniel and Molly Schell, Layne and Libbie White, and Ashton Taylor. Lisa Honeycutt, a lifelong family and friend, often considered as a daughter to Frank, will also cherish his memory.

Frank has been preceded in death by brother James Marshall Atkinson Jr, daughter Donna Zabraski, and son-in-law Lupe Ortiz. 

A viewing will be Thursday afternoon from 12pm to 1pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home with a service in the chapel at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home from 1pm to 2pm to be followed by a burial at Lafayette Memorial Park. Rev. Nick Smith will officiate the ceremony.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank’s life the way he would want it to be celebrated. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Village Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice.

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