Harvey Coolidge Atkins

Mr. Harvey Coolidge Atkins, 86, of 1095 Smith Road, Mount Airy, passed away early Thursday morning, August 18, 2011, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Mr. Atkins was born October 30, 1924, in Surry County, the third of six children born to the late Paul and Sadie Dollyhigh Atkins. Harvey served our country in the United States Army during World War II. As a private first class, he fought battles in Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe and was decorated with several commendations for his bravery, including three bronze service stars. Mr. Atkins retired from Mount Airy Furniture Factory and was a faithful member of White Plains Baptist Church for 63 years. He served the church as a deacon for 60 years. Harvey's strong faith, acts of kindness and compassion, and love for God marked him as a dedicated Christian. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Harvette and Woody Corder of Randleman; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Irene Atkins of Paris, TX; three grandchildren and their spouses, Cora and Clint Pyeatt and Robyn Atkins, all of Paris, TX, and David and Sharon Atkins of Jakarta, Indonesia; two stepgrandchildren, Whitney Corder and Leigh Lancaster, both of Greensboro; two great-grandchildren, Cenzie Pyeatt and Cruz Pyeatt, both of Paris, TX; three great-stepgrandchildren, Asher Lancaster, Mason Lancaster, and Matthew Corder, all of Greensboro; two sisters, Pansy Atkins Allen and Faye Atkins Edwards, both of Mount Airy; a brother, Chester Ray Atkins of Pilot Mountain; a sister-in-law, Estelle Atkins of King; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Virginia Beasley Atkins; a sister, Stella Mae Atkins Marion; and a brother, Melvin Monroe Atkins. The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2011, at 2:00 PM at White Plains Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bill Tucker, the Rev. Tom Delph, and the Rev. Fred Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with full military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at White Plains Baptist Church, and other times at the home of Faye Atkins Edwards, 1115 Smith Road, Mount Airy. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.