Kenneth Lavelle Atkinson

Kenneth Lavelle "Big Ken" Atkinson, Sr., age 83, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Deer Park, Texas. Born on August 7, 1942, in Pasadena Texas, Kenneth lived a vibrant and impactful life filled with passion, determination, and love.

Kenneth was a man of many talents and pursuits. He began his career as a machinist and mechanic and retired from Albemarle in 1996. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own several businesses over the years, including a jewelry shop, a staffing agency, a motorcycle shop, and a vehicle wholesale business. In addition to his professional endeavors, Kenneth served as Vice President for Texans for Civil Justice and worked as a civil lawsuit consultant. His dedication to lobbying for tort reform reflected his commitment to justice and fairness.

A devout Christian and scholar of the Bible, Kenneth found great joy in studying scripture. His favorite book was Daniel, which inspired his faith and guided his actions throughout his life. He was not only a fighter for rights but also a passionate advocate for saving souls. Kenneth’s faith was central to who he was—a radical dreamer with an unwavering belief in the power of love and redemption.

Kenneth’s hobbies were as dynamic as his personality. He had a deep love for drag racing and enjoyed working on motorcycles and cars. A man who appreciated the finer things in life, he loved trading vehicles and embraced his flashy style with pride. One of his greatest joys was dining out with family; the more loved ones he could gather around the table, the happier he was.

Above all else, Kenneth cherished his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Atkinson; his children Kenneth Atkinson Jr. (and wife Laura), Kimberly Moudy (and husband Michael), Kimberly Williams (and husband James), Karey Johnson, Samantha Stinnett, and Cynthia Torres (and husband Felix). He has a brother in law Jack Skaggs and 3 neices, Catherine Mosier, Cindy Greer, and Cheryl Lawrence. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of love and resilience.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Barney and Louise Atkinson and his sister Wynona Skaggs. Their memory remained close to his heart throughout his life.