Robert Samuel Atkins

Robert “Robbie” Samuel Atkins passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2025 at the age of 62. He always said that he wanted to go quickly and that is how he went. He leaves behind a heartbroken family and many friends. Robbie is survived by his wife, Pam, his son Peter (Elizabeth), and beloved grandson Theodore “Teddy”. He is survived by three of his siblings: brothers Jack (Bonnie), David (Johnnie Ann), and sister Christina “Tina”. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Tamy Machado (Carlos), father-in-law Sal Jimenez, and his beloved dogs, Elsie “Baby Dog” and Henry “Henry Weiner Bear”.

Robbie was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 6, 1963, to Barbara June Parker and Jack Eugene Atkins. When he was 7 years old, his family moved to Columbiana, Alabama, which is where he grew up with his five siblings: Jack, David, Richard, Lela and Tina. After graduating with an associate’s degree, he went to work in the electronics field, eventually retiring as a network engineer.

Robbie met his wife, Pam, at Kinder Care in Montgomery, Alabama, and they were married on May 3, 1992. They had a son, Peter, and spent the 33 years of their marriage in Indian Springs, Alabama. During their years together, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and to places such as Mexico, Europe, Ireland, and Scotland. Robbie especially enjoyed annual family vacations to the beach.

During his life, Robbie was never without a musical instrument: keyboard, drums, violin, mandolin, but most especially a guitar. He could play any song after hearing it just a couple of times. He was not shy about getting in front of a microphone and sharing his gift for music. Robbie was passionate about encouraging anyone learning to play or sing.

Everyone’s first response when learning of Robbie’s passing was how kind he was. He did have a big heart and was always happy to lend a helping hand. In the words of a dear friend, “he didn’t just show up, he showed up with a U-Haul”. Sometimes his passionate opinions would get him blocked on Facebook - something he loved to brag about. Overall Robbie loved life - he was always laughing and having a good time. He loved good music, playing his guitars, good bourbon, Auburn football and, most of all, he loved his family and friends.

Rather than a funeral, the family will have a Celebration of Life for Robbie: Cat ‘n Bird Winery, Chelsea, Alabama, Friday, July 18, 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

We ask everyone who would like to attend to wear a KISS t-shirt as a nod to his love for the band.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts - School of Music.