Willie "Eddie" Edward Atkins Jr.

On April 30, 2025, Willie Edward “Eddie” Atkins, Jr. 87, went to be with God. Eddie was born in Richmond, Virginia, to Willie E. Atkins, Sr. and Fannie “Peggy” Diacont Atkins. He moved with his family to Hampton, Virginia in 1944.

He graduated from Hampton High School, Hampton, Virginia, in 1956. He began his long career as a telephone installer with C&P Telephone Company, now known as Verizon. He retired as a Regional Manager. After retirement, he worked as a Contractor for Hekimian and then for Spirent. In 1955, he became a Navy Reservist as a Mineman (MOMAG), attaining the rank of E-9, Master Chief, where he served for 42 years.

In June 1957, he met the love of his life, Barbara Leigh Foster, at Buckroe Beach, Hampton, VA. Barbara lived in Richmond, Virginia. They began writing daily letters and were married on August 23, 1958 at Parkview Baptist Chapel, Richmond, Virginia. They were married for 66 years.

They had two children, daughter Susan Lynn, in 1960 and son Edward Douglas, in 1961. In 1968, the family moved to Williamsburg, Virginia where he and Barbara lived until 2024.

Eddie loved to travel, enjoyed Bluegrass Festivals and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his adored wife, Barbara Foster Atkins; his loving daughter, Susan Atkins Orrell (husband Vern), of Chesterfield, Virginia; his brother, Ernest S. Atkins (wife Tami) of Hampton, Virginia; his grandchildren, Christopher Mayne, Sarah Randall, and Edward Austin Atkins (wife Tina); and great-granddaughter, Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Edward Atkins Sr. and Fannie Diacont Atkins; his in-laws, Linwood and Ruby Foster; his son, Edward Douglas “Doug” Atkins; and sister-in-Law, Anne Foster Duke.

A visitation for Eddie will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, VA. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Dr, Williamsburg, VA.