Thomas H. Tommy Atkins

As a child of the Great Depression, resourcefulness and determination became two of his most enduring traits. He enlisted in the United States Army on February 2, 1951, served in the Korean Conflict as a forward observer with the 1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class in 1953.

He married Annetta Inman on November 11, 1952, and shared his life, his friendship and his love with her for over 55 years. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1963, with a degree in electrical engineering. After ten years of public utilities engineering, he shifted his career toward university physical plant administration. He spent the bulk of his career at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he served as Director of the Physical Plant Department until his retirement in 1999.

Despite an impeccable work ethic, and great professional success, his priorities were always with his family. Tommy was a master problem-solver, and one of his greatest gifts was to pass this skill on to his children.

He lived each day of his 76 years to the fullest, never complaining about his misfortunes or boasting about his successes. He could build anything that needed building and fix anything that needed fixing. He loved to laugh, to be in the outdoors and to use his talents to help others.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Robie Atkins.

He is survived by his wife, Annetta; daughter, Linda Mike Cates of Aberdeen, MD; son, Jim Meg Atkins of Frederic, WI; sisters, Vicki Atkins and Beverly Chuck York; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations in Tommy's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, 8115 Datapoint Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229 or to CTRC, PO Box 1657, San Antonio, TX 78296.