Robert Leroy Atkins Jr.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leroy and Macey Ledbetter Atkins. He is survived by his wife, Tina “Chum” Atkins; children, Jeff Atkins (April) and Kelly Atkins Paulk (Trent); grandsons, Gunner and Ryder Atkins; sister, Luan Atkins; brother, Tom Atkins; and two nieces.

Born on November 23, 1946 in the ACIPCO community of Birmingham, Bob grew up in tumult, which he used to calibrate a reliable compass for his path to raising a loving family and educating generations of students with the rare formula of honesty minus judgment. He interrupted his college education to join the Army National Guard before returning to graduate from Jacksonville State University and eventually earning Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Bob spent his entire adult life in Birmingham, adding to the integrity of the Steel City’s foundation by influencing thousands of students over 34 years in education. He met and married his wife Tina (Chum) Likis, and they conspired to be a formidable force of dry wit, behind-the-scenes kindness, and adventurous travel for 23 years. A kind, loving, and generous father, he never left his children’s presence without offering a bit of fatherly advice or wisdom, something they expected and received even as adults.

A fierce ambassador of common sense, Bob never took himself too seriously. No topic was too sacred for laughter, least of all Bob himself or his insolently unoffendable and unwavering friends, whom he cherished. Bob was a man’s man: he loved the view from a deer stand, the taste of a stiff drink, and extended trips to Disney World with his kids & grandsons. Despite his simple approach to life, Bob had an analytical mind that he aimed at everything from construction projects to the stock market, often combining it with a generous heart for the benefit of friends and family alike.

In retirement, Bob achieved the rank of Papa, garnering the adoration of his grandsons, Gunner and Ryder, and continuing to impart his irreverent wisdom. The longtime rule-maker always understood the balance between work and play and famously helped his grandson skip an unwanted swim lesson by dunking his towel and shorts in water before returning home from playing hooky for the entire afternoon. Life was often best lived according to Bob’s rules.

Bob studied the Orthodox faith and was confirmed in 2017 at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. His funeral will be on Tuesday, February 9, at the Cathedral, 307 19th Street, South. Visitation from 11:00 am – Noon, Service at Noon.