Alexander B. Atkins, Sr.

He was born on April 14, 1923 on Freewelcome Farm, Dutton, Virginia; the son of Joseph W. Atkins and Blanche B. Atkins. Growing up fully involved with farm activities and the Piankatank River, he developed a lifetime love for both. He graduated from Botetourt High School in 1940 and continued farm activities until World War II began. He enlisted in the army and received basic training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia. He then volunteered for training with the army parachuters. After completing jump school and receiving his jump wings, he was assigned to the 507 ^{th parachute infantry regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. His regiment was later transferred to the 17th Airborne Division, where he was in the Battle of the Bulge and later to the parachute drop east of the Rhine River into Germany at Wessel. After the war in England ended, the Airborne was reorganized, and he was assigned to the 505 regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He remained with them during occupation duty in Berlin. In mid- December, 1945, the 82nd was chosen to be in the marching unit in the official World War II Victory Parade in New York City in early January, 1946. After the parade, he was sent to Fort Meade for discharge. He received the Bronze Star for his service.}

He met and married Mary Jane Neff of Rural Retreat, Virginia in 1950 and a son was born in 1952.

He was elected to the Gloucester Board of Supervisors in 1954 representing Ware District and served 8 years. Even though Virginia was embroiled in school integration and some schools had closed, the supervisors built Abingdon School; replacing the old Hayes School.

Long active with Boy Scouts, he helped to organize Cub Scout Pack 175 and served as its first Cub Master.

In 1966, he was employed by Virginia Farm Bureau as the first insurance agent in Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex. A permanent office building was built near Dutton during his tenure.

He retired in 1986 and returned to farming full time. He was later appointed to Gloucester's Industrial Development Agency. Later as chairman, the agency persuaded the Board of Supervisors to hire its first Economic Development Director.

He taught Sunday School Classes for many years first at Newington Baptist Church and later at Ware Episcopal Church Vestry, with a year as junior ward and a year as senior warden. He was later awarded, the honor of Honorary Vestryman.

He was long time member of American Legion Post 75 and was a 60 year member Botetourt Lodge No. 7 AF & AM. He was one of organizers of Hampton Roads Chapter of 82nd Airborne Association. He was also a member of the 507 and 505 Parachute Association and the 17th Airborne Association.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Mary Jane, of 55 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his two sisters; Maria A. Leming and Ann Byrd Tubbs, and also two brothers; Lt. Col. Joseph W. Atkins and Henry Calmore Atkins; and a nephew, John W. Leming, III.

He is survived by his son, Alexander B. Atkins, Jr. and his wife, Christine; two grandchildren, Alexander B. Atkins, III of Phoenix, AZ, and Christine A Atkins, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his brother, William E. Atkins, and his wife, Frances of Gettysburg, PA; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Atkins of Ronks, PA, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

The family will received friends at Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will be a funeral services at Ware Episcopal Church on Tuesday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to United Service Organization, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC, 20087, Gloucester Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 1417 Gloucester, Virginia 23061, or Ware Episcopal Church, PO Box 616, Gloucester, Va. 23061. Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory are in charge of arrangements.