Joe Tom Atkins

Joe Tom Atkins, 96, passed away April 15, 2024 at the Four Seasons in Columbus, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Columbus, he was born on March 12, 1928 to Ernest H. and Georgia Imel Atkins. After graduating from Columbus High School, Joe went on to get his degree in Marketing from Indiana University in 1949 — where he met the love of his life, Jean Maddox Atkins, and they were married right after graduation and lived happily together for nearly 75 years. Joe started his long and dedicated career at Columbus-based Arvin Industries as a “material handler” in the Radio Division at a wage of 65 cents an hour. In 1952, Joe left Columbus for Arvin's automotive sales office in Detroit, where he directed accounts with GM and ultimately would lead that office as a Vice-President. Joe attended the IU Kelley School of Business Executive Program in Bloomington and was later awarded as a member of the Alumni Academy of Fellows. Returning to Columbus in 1986, Joe served as President of Arvin’s flagship division, North American Automotive, and successfully led the company into an emerging global economy by forming an innovative joint-venture with a leading company in Japan, serving on the Arvin-Sango board of directors well into his retirement. In business and in life, Joe was widely appreciated for his optimism and team-first approach. During their 34 years in Michigan, Joe and Jean lovingly raised their growing family of four sons, entertained clients with the “big-three” automakers, coached and cheered on teams of every imaginable youth sport, and hosted summer gatherings up-north at Bois Blanc. They traveled together to England every four years — the best of which were wonderful trips across the pond with their children and grandchildren. Sparked by his magnetic personality, Joe and Jean made life-long friendships with some of the most caring and light-hearted people one could hope to find. Laughter is the first thing that comes to mind, and the most lasting association, when remembering him and being together. Joe’s unique way of giving his attention made everyone around him feel special — it helped make him a really good salesman, but also a loving husband, a generous father, and an easy-mannered and genuine friend. Joe is survived by his sons, Tom Atkins and his wife Audrey, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Michael Atkins and his wife Lynn, of Okemos, Michigan, Daniel Atkins, of Columbus, and Joseph Atkins and his wife Heather, of Charlottesville, Virginia. As an only child, Joe was so visibly proud of his eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren (with a twelfth expected in June). Jean and Joe were affectionately known as Gram and Grump (or Grumpy, with a wink to golfer Arnold Palmer) and joyfully embraced their expanding family on so many special occasions, but especially, at annual summer gatherings at the Harrison Lake Country Club — including Mike’s children Jason, David, Carey, and Meghan; Tom’s children Jenny and Michael; and Joe’s children Hope and Helen; with great-grandchildren: Maggie and Henry; Maddie, Lauren, and Joe; Drew and Charlie; Evie, Millie, and Benjamin; and Delilah. Joe and Jean welcomed her sister Gerry and family to these special events including his niece and nephews: Jennifer, Pat, Jay, and Jim and their children — all basking in the warmth of being together. While he worked hard and with such determination to provide great opportunities for his family, Joe also enjoyed so many things in life. He had a promising start as a young, tap-dancing entertainer in the late 1930’s at the local Crump Theatre. As an athlete, he hit a few well-timed home runs for the Columbus Merchants, joined the diving team at IU, and was a steady partner and formidable opponent on the tennis court. But the game of golf captured his interest most. Joe turned in many scorecards with a smile after shooting lower than his age and may have relived key moments in detail over lunch afterward. The elusive hole-in-one seemed out of reach until Joe triumphed with an ace at the age of 86. But his love of the game was surpassed by the friendships made along the way. Joe was a Sigma Chi at Indiana and was lifted up by an ever-widening circle of companions and dear friends at golf and social clubs from Bloomfield to Lansing to Harrison Lake in Columbus and Lemon Bay in Boca Grande. After his retirement in 1994, Jean and Joe made Gasparilla Island their winter home and welcomed friends and family to a dreamy destination filled with sandcastles and sunsets on the gulf coast of Florida. Joe’s light-hearted grace, helpful understanding, and generous integrity will be missed, but his legacy endures in the lives of the many people he has touched throughout his wonderful life. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am Saturday, May 11, at the Four Seasons Chapel, 1901 Taylor Road, Columbus, Indiana. A reception and time for visitation will precede the service from 9:30-10:30am. A private family memorial will be held at Hayes Cemetery outside of Bedford following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in honor of Joe to any charity serving the community of Columbus. Please leave a fond memory of Joe or condolence for the family at www.Myers-Reed.com Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St. is serving the Atkins family.