Daniel E Atkinson

Dan Atkinson passed away peacefully in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023, due to complications from cancer. Dan "The Man" Atkinson was born on April 21st, 1947, in Miami, Florida, to Jerome Harold Atkinson and Louise Richardson Atkinson. 

Dan grew up in North Miami. At an early age, he forged his entrepreneurial spirit by selling Miami Herald subscriptions. His commitment garnered him multiple sales awards, taking him to New York and Washington, D.C. He attended Norland High School, graduating in 1965. During high school, he met the love of his life, Patricia Anne Johnson, on Haulover Beach. This love story would span his entire life, producing many precious memories. 

Dan and Pat were married on June 12th, 1970. They moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in 1971, where he joined his partners in starting Rocky Mount News Agency. In Rocky Mount, Dan discovered his second love, golf. Dan, Pat, and their family joined Northgreen Country Club, where he played golf as much as humanly possible. Possessing great accuracy off the tee combined with the best putting stroke at the club, Dan consistently picked the pockets of his fellow members. 

Following a long and successful career in Rocky Mount, Dan and Pat relocated to Pembroke Pines, Florida, to be closer to family. Dan re-invented himself, starting a second career as an insurance agent. Developing many friendships and earning the trust of his clients, he carved out a successful niche selling health insurance for ADCAHB, and later moving to Apple Insurance. 

Dan "The Man" had an unwavering passion for horse racing. Once an owner of a thoroughbred, he could always be found picking winners and making friends at Gulfstream Park on Saturdays. 

Dan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat Atkinson, and his two sons, Daniel Atkinson Jr., and Mike Atkinson (wife Celia Atkinson). His dedication to his family is unmatched. He enjoyed spending quality time with them, from summer vacations to snow skiing trips; Dan loved being a dad. He showered his wife with boundless love throughout their entire marriage. His wife, Pat, was his angel, caring for him throughout his life. He was a great brother to his sister, Linda Madison, and a loving uncle to Tammy, Lisa, Kandi, Roxy, and Michael. Lastly, he was a devoted grandfather to Mike’s daughter, Iris. 

He will be greatly missed by many, as he never met a stranger. The world was undeniably brighter with his presence, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. His legacy of friendliness, sportsmanship, and unwavering devotion to family will forever remind us of the extraordinary man he was. 

"Celebration of Life" services will be held at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 2401 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33324. The visitation ceremony will begin at 5pm, followed by a reception.