John Dudley Atkins, age 94, of Clarksville, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at his residence.
John was born March 19, 1927, in Clarksville, TN, to the late Edgar Thomas Atkins, Sr. and Mary Lou Bumpus Atkins. He was also preceded in death by his wife of over 69 years, Dora Elizabeth Yarbrough Atkins; three brothers, Edgar T. Atkins, Jr., Hugh Atkins, and Rev. Lauren Atkins; and three sisters, Irma Wilson, Jewel Gunter, and Lois Anderson.
Mr. Atkins is survived by his daughter, Debra E. (Edward) Gaynes; son, John M. (Mandy) Atkins; five grandchildren, Mary E. O’Berry, Capt. Daniel E. Gaynes (USAF), Lauren R. Milam, Anah Gaynes, and Noah B. Atkins; great granddaughter, Caroline Victoria Milam; great grandson yet to arrive, Owen John Milam; and several nieces and nephews.
John was a member of Martha’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He served on many committees. He built the Sunday School rooms, gymnasium, and vestibule that are still in service today. Mr. Atkins knew the Bible inside and out.
He was the oldest and longest-surviving member of the American Legion for 76 years. John was a US Air Force veteran, having served as a mechanic on fighter jets and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Airman of the Month Award.
Mr. Atkins was a charter member of Central Civitan Club. After an absence of many years, John was instrumental in revitalizing the Lone Oak Picnic in 1975. Through the club, he was also instrumental in the founding and development of the Cunningham Utility District. He served as President of the Board of Commissioners of the Cunningham Utility District for 40 years. After his retirement from the Board, he served as an advisor to the Board for several years.
John was a master carpenter. He started his construction with Isaac Buck Construction Company. He passed his skills and knowledge of construction on to many students throughout his 20 years with the CMCSS as the Building Trades teacher at Montgomery Central High School. He was known as “Shop” or “Shoppe John” by many. The Agricultural / Vocational Building at MCHS is dedicated in his honor, and the honor of long-time teaching partner, Fred Thomas. Many students learned valuable trade skills that they have used during their careers and life. It was said that you could not be around him very long without accidentally learning something. He was truly the “Jack of all trades, Master of most.”
In his later years, John was a devoted caretaker for his wife, Dora E. Atkins. He would cook their meals with her sitting on a stool by the stove, giving him cooking instructions.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 11, at 12:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, with Rev. Ben Falls and Rev. Steve Lannom officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, March 11, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Noah B. Atkins, John M. Atkins, Capt. Daniel E. Gaynes (USAF), J.D. Bumpus, Lewis Bumpus, and Ronnie Greene. Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Gaynes, Larry Alford, Neal Westerman, Geary Eason, and Russell Milam.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Martha’s Chapel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Mike Atkins, 572 Bumpus Road, Cunningham, TN 37052.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made and live streaming of the service may be viewed at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.