Lewis Phillip Atkins

Lewis Phillip Atkins, affectionately known to many as “Phillip”, departed his life on September 8, 2024, with his loving family by his side in Lutz, Florida. Although he’s not with us, we rest knowing that his parents, Lewis Willie and Kate Phillips Atkins, greeted him in heaven with a smile.

Phillip was the youngest of two children born in Greenville, Alabama, on January 8, 1948. He joined his brother, Will (Sonny) Atkins, on a journey of life that would leave an Atkins legacy for both families to follow.

Phillip was raised in the church and dedicated his life to God at a young age at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, he became a junior deacon, where he began a lifelong mission to serve. He passed his mission on to his children and grandchildren and was fond of saying, “God is Good”!

Phillip attended Lomax-Hannon Industrial High School, graduating in 1966. He often shared how hard he had to work in school to get on the honor roll. While in school, he played football and even participated in a Civil Rights March with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Greenville, Alabama.

After high school, Phillip moved to Albion, Michigan, working at Hayes-Albion Corporation. Soon after, on October 25, 1967, Phillip was drafted into the Army to serve his country in Vietnam. After two years, Phillip returned home and was honorably discharged as Specialist E-4 in 1969. While in the service, he received the the National Defense Service Award. The Vietnam Campaign Medal, Service Metal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Phillip attended Devry University in Chicago, Illinois, learning how to build computers. He returned to Albion in 19at Hayes Albion as a Senior Repairman. He completed his apprenticeship program in 1979, becoming an Industrial Electrician.

Phillip had a love for cars, not just how they looked: he had a “need for speed” where he was known to go 100 miles per hour or more, even on a city road, but at retirement age, he decided to slow down and get a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, leather Chaps, and a leather vest where his was known as the Love Dr. with his sidekick Lady Love Dr. (Mary Ann).

Phillip married the love of his life, Mary Ann Jones, on March 27, 1971. Their marriage was a symbol of love where, for 53 years, they intentionally “chose to have and to holds from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, and cherish, till death. Their love knew no bounds and was an example of love that many can only pray for.

Through their union, they bore two beautiful daughters, Monica and Shawnette. They intentionally taught them to be self-sufficient, independent and strong. He always reminded them that his job was not to be their friend; his job was to make them successful, God-fearing women who could make God proud.

Phillip worked as an electrician for Delphi Automotive Systems (GM) in Adrian, MI., for 33 years, often working 16 hours a day, seven days a week, driving 3 hours a day to ensure his family had more than enough. While at the Adrian plant, he was the Safety Director for the Local Union 231 UAW. He later transferred to Delta plant, Local Body shop in Lansing, MI, in 2004. For his service years, Phillip received certificates for being celebrated as an outstanding employee for his performance and excellent attendance until retirement in April of 2012.

Phillip lived a life of service to others, openly and secretly, never unwilling to share his time and resources to help anyone. He was a 71, continuing his career Silver Life Member of the local

Albion NAACP chapter, serving as the first Vice Chairman and the Chairman of the Redress committee. He was a dedicated member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist, where he was a member of the Male Chorus, Chairman of Trustees, Strategic Leader, Parking Attendant, Trustee Board, Pastor Search Committee, Deacon in Training, and served as a No-Limit Soldier until the last couple of months of life.

Philip loved God, people, and helping others, but also enjoyed LIFE and is known for his smile and walking in the room shouting “Greetings”. Phillip enjoyed riding his Harley and was a Boogie Down Motorcycle Club member. He was a member of the Albion Moose and the American Legion Sulk Trail Post. He was a co-owner of Atkins Lounge with his brother and was known to having the best Christmas

Eve parties ever. He loved cooking, caring for his wife, keeping a well-manicured yard, and playing with his favorite girl Laya (the dog that stole his heart).

Once he retired, Phillip and Mary Ann set off top explore the United States. They traveled by motorcycle, car, boat, and plane to many states and countries, creating memories that will never be forgotten. He loved the Minnesota Vikings but always made it clear whoever his son Harold coached for was his #1 team! That family dedication blessed him with 5 Super Bowl game appearances, an opportunity most never live to experience.

When Phillip hears that his wife had cancer, it broke him! He moved them to Florida and invested everything he could into saving her life. It was from his faith in God and his dedication and love for her that she is still here. When the doctors gave her only a year, he took her to a place that blessed her with 4 years and counting. In 2023, Mary Ann surprised him with a trip to Jamaica as a gift for caring for her during her cancer fight, not knowing it would be their last. Phillip’s earthly service and mission from God ended in the arms of the very wife he sacrificed everything for, demonstrating again in front of their family, their unwavering dedication to one another.

Phillip is survived by his amazing wife of 53 years, Mary Ann Atkins, Daughters Monica (Harold) Goodwin of Charlotte, NC, Shawnette (Dion) Bellamy of Indianapolis, IN; Son Phillip Anthony (Jaleesa) Atkins of Jackson, MI; Brother Will( Ollie) Atkins of Albion, MI;Grandchildren Saraya Atkins of Jackson, MI; Kylee Goodwin, Asia Atkins, Miya Goodwin, Ti Spencer, Amari Spicer, Bryson Goodwin, Arrion Atkin and Lalah Wright; God Grandson Joshua Mazique and a host of nieces and nephews that he cherished as his own children, cousins and friends.