Gerald McKinley Atkins

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden, visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home prior to the service. Pastor Jeff Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Forrest Cemetery.

Jerry was a graduate of Etowah High School and proudly served in the United States Navy. He dedicated over 30 years of his career to ESI Trucking Company in Gadsden. He was an avid University of Alabama fan, and he rarely missed a football game. Jerry was beyond proud when his granddaughter Lilly chose to attend college there. He enjoyed playing his guitar and listening to gospel music. Jerry loved spending time in the mountains and cherished moments with his family, especially his granddaughters. He took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, and competitions.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Willene Atkins; stepdaughter, Vicki (Edward) Covington; stepson, Michael (Lisa) Story; grandchildren, Grace Covington and Lilly Covington; great-grandchildren, Austyn and Haley Joiner; sister, Betty Miller; nephews, Marty (Jennifer) Miller, Lamar (Ginny) Miller, Jeff (Cindy) Miller, Jerry Wayne Miller, Keith (Karen) Sims, and Randy Sims; along with numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Annie Atkins; his brother, Larry Wayne Atkins; his sister, Jean Sims; granddaughter, Christa Story; and his nephew, Danny Sims.

Pallbearers will be family members, with Michael Story serving as honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s of Alabama.

The family extends special thanks to the doctors and nurses of UAB Medical West for their care and compassion.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.