Harvey Nathaniel Atkins

Harvey Nathaniel Atkins, a U.S. Navy veteran, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Oct. 8, 2016. Service: 10 a.m. Friday at Southside Church of Christ, 2101 Hemphill St., Fort Worth, 76110. Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation: The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Fort Worth. Harvey was born on Aug. 21, 1945, in Duncan, Okla., to Jessie and Dorothy Atkins. He lived in Nocona, Texas and attended Prairie Valley ISD where he played basketball. His family moved to Fort Worth when he was a young teenager. Here, he attended William James Junior High and Everman High School. Harvey was a kind and loving man who loved his Lord. He was baptized at the Southside Church of Christ in 1963. Harvey joined the United States Navy when he was seventeen years old. He married Billye Ford on June 12, 1964. In November of 1964, he was called to active duty. He was placed on the USS Merrick and the ship was sent to Da Nang, Vietnam. Harvey completed two tours of Vietnam. He was awarded an honorable discharge upon completion. Harvey worked hard and provided for his family. He worked sixteen years for Ford Sigh Manufacturing Company (a family business) and twenty three years for the City of Fort Worth. He was promoted to the Chief Sign Inspector and maintained this position for about sixteen years. Harvey was the only chief sign inspector that Fort Worth ever had. He was a Master Sign Electrician. After his retirement, Harvey bought a very special red jeep. He loved this jeep, and kept it in tip top shape. He collected Coca Cola memorabilia. His collection is housed in his shop that he fondly referred to as the Coke museum. Harvey had the wonderful gift of creativity while working with wood. He made many beautiful things. He was taught carpentry work at a young age by his father. He made toys, furniture and anything Billye needed during her career as a preschool teacher. In 2013 Harvey and Billye purchased a home in Weatherford, Texas. A large shop/barn was built, and Harvey was able to fulfill his longstanding dream of owning his own horse. He named his horse Shadow. Harvey loved his horse until he was unable to care for him anymore due to his declining health. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping with his sons. He always maintained a beautiful yard and dutifully fed the birds, but did not like those “pesky” squirrels. Harvey was also an Oklahoma Sooners fan. Harvey and Billye were blessed with 52 years of marriage and two children. Harvey and Billye were best friends and enjoyed traveling and antique shopping. Harvey volunteered his time with the Cub Scouts when his boys were young. Harvey was a longtime member of Southside Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for several years. He loved his family dearly and was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Survivors: He has left his legacy to be honored by his loving wife of 52 years, Billye; sons, Nolan Atkins and David Atkins; daughter-in-law, Dana; grandsons, Harrison, Drew, Dawson and Daniel; granddaughter, Lauren; sisters, Barbara and Mary; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.