Wesley Phillip Atkins

Wesley Phillip Atkins (Wes) was born to Joseph Watson and Hannah Vanmeter Atkins on August 31, 1937 in Darby Pennsylvania.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Neil.  Wes is survived by his wife, Patty Hawke Atkins; to whom he was married nearly 62 years, his sons Mark (Elizabeth) and Kyle (Heather), and grandchildren Phillip, Tyler, Kalib, and Nolan.

Wes was a graduate of Darby High School, Bloomsburg State University,  Syracuse University, and Cortland University in New York.  He held a Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology and certification as a school administrator. During his years at Darby High, Wes loved playing football and basketball. He never lost his love for sports and enjoyed watching all sports on TV. 

Wes was active in his community and served in the Masonic Order as Master Mason, and in the Eastern Star as Patron on more than one occasion.   Wesley enjoyed singing and was a valued member of both the Methodist Church and community choirs.

Wes had a passion for working with children and adults with disabilities and was a talented Speech Language Pathologist.  He spent 33 years in the BOCES system working with students with severe physical and mental challenges providing Speech Pathology services.  Wesley was also the Chief Negotiator for the Teacher’s Union at BOCES and was responsible for many favorable contracts and avoiding work stoppages for over two decades.

After his retirement from BOCES, Wesley enjoyed 10 years with the ARC as a Speech Language Pathologist.  The Arc Workshop is dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community. Wesley served as the Treasurer for several years, and President of the Chenango County ARC and was instrumental in starting the ARC workshop in Norwich, New York. 

Wes related well to all children and is fondly remembered by his sons’ childhood friends. He had a great love for his family and loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s theatrical and sporting events.

Wes finally lost his battle with cancer May 29, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, followed by a reception from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Arc New York - The Arc. https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-new-york/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Atkins family.