Robert Atkinson

Robert Jeffery Atkinson, age 69, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Hedgesville, West Virginia. He was born on December 17, 1955, at Mare Island in Vallejo, California, to the late James Atkinson and Carol Miller.

On August 8, 1974, Robert married Mary Ann Zimmer. Together they built a family and were blessed with one son, Brent Robert Atkinson, who married his wife, Jennifer. Robert found tremendous joy in being a grandfather to Walker Atkinson, who brought him endless pride and happiness.

Robert proudly dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. During his distinguished career, he served as a medical corpsman, preventative medicine technician, and aerospace physiologist. His service reflected his devotion to helping others, his strong work ethic, and his deep sense of duty to his country.

Robert pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree from the University of New York and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Beyond his military career, Robert was known for his many passions. He loved cars and firearms, and he treasured time spent with family, friends, and his faithful companion, his bird Cosmo. He will be remembered as a man of loyalty, humor, quiet strength, and love, whose presence left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Robert is survived by Mary Ann; his son Brent and his wife, Jennifer; his grandson Walker; his sisters Shannon (Sue) and Jamie; his brother William (Laurie); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Shawn Atkinson.

He will be cremated and later laid to rest with full military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center, 273 Woodbury Avenue, Door 6, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404. All who knew and loved Robert are invited to join in honoring his memory and the many ways he touched the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate) or to T & A Parrot Rescue and Sanctuary (https://www.tandaparrotrescuesanctuary.com/).