William "Bill" James Atkinson

He was born October 13, 1937, in Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY, to the late Albert H. Atkinson and May Katherine Thompson Atkinson. 

Bill earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree from RPI and MBA from ECU. He also served on the Board of Directors, Salvation Army in Fayetteville, NC. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, May K. Ball and brothers, Albert Atkinson and Frank Atkinson. 

Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Atkinson; son, Keith W. Atkinson and wife Susan of Martinez, GA; son, Kenneth J. Atkinson and wife Diane of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Denise A. Clark and husband Ben of Mendon, VT; daughter, Karen High and husband Andy of Garner, NC; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and sister, Ann Loper and husband Bob of St. Petersburg, FL. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Sunday, October 1, 2023, at St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC.

Following the service, a reception will be held in the Great Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Parish, 25 S. Third St., Wilmington, NC 28401 or the Salvation Army PO Box 90, Wilmington, NC 28402 in memory of Bill Atkinson. 

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center for their exceptional care and compassion.