Ronnie Atkins

Ronald Denell “Ronnie” Atkins, 79, of Columbus, Mississippi, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus, after a brief illness. 

Funeral services were held Monday, October 14, at the prior location of First Baptist Church with his former pastor, Dr. Bobby Douglas, and former music minister, Rev. Bobby Sanderson, officiating. James Allen, Diane Ford, and Patti Gildea provided the music. Interment followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery near Millport, Alabama. 

Ronnie was born August 8, 1945, in Columbus to the late Marvin Gay Atkins and Doris Gavin Atkins. He had been a member of the Columbus community all his life and had been a member of First Baptist Church since 1995. He was a member of the Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church since 2015. He was retired from welding and the automobile business. He was an avid hunter. 

Ronnie is survived by and was a devoted husband to his wife of 54 years, Jan Wilson Atkins, Columbus, Mississippi; and a devoted father to his three sons, Brad Atkins (Melissa), Brent Atkins (Heather), and Beau Atkins, Columbus, Mississippi. He is also survived by two brothers, Gary Atkins (Debi) and Steve Atkins; brother-in-law, Clay Terrell; sister-in-law, Bunny Atkins; grandchildren, Madison Atkins, Collin Atkins, Cole Atkins, Hannah Beth Pack, and Ben Pack. He was predeceased by his brother, Terry Atkins, and his sister, Sheila Terrell.

Pallbearers were his sons and grandsons, Brad Atkins, Brent Atkins, Beau Atkins, Collin Atkins, Cole Atkins, and Ben Pack. 

In the 79 years that Ronnie lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a Dad, a grandfather (Grandy), an uncle and a loyal friend. Ronnie truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or a helping hand. Ronnie wasn’t just present; he was fully present 100% of the time. Ronnie didn’t just live for his happiness but for the happiness of others. He was a hard-working, honest man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Ronnie was saved and followed Jesus as best he knew how, and was absolutely devoted to his Christian faith. 

It’s also true, that Ronnie was not perfect, and he’d be the first to tell you that. His own imperfections bothered him deeply. But still he modeled what it means to keep on trying to change and grow, even into old age when it’s hardest. The longer you knew Ronnie, the more you realized how remarkable of a man he was, how remarkable a servant, how devoted to his family, how loyal to his friends, how faithful to God, and how available he was to literally anyone who needed help. In these days in our society, one of the highest compliments you can give a man is the most simple thing to say and powerful when it’s said in earnest: “He’s a good man.” “He’s a good man.” Ronnie Atkins was a good man. Ronnie Atkins was a giant of a man.

We find comfort in knowing that Ronnie’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.