Charles William "Billy" Atkins

The following obituary is being shared with sincere respect, gratitude, and appreciation for the life and legacy of Mr. Charles William "Billy" Atkins. Mr. Billy was the epitome of a true Southern Funeral Director that dedicated his life to our profession and serving others. His wisdom, mentorship, and friendship to each generation of the Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home family is invaluable and perpetually treasured. Mr. Billy, THANK YOU for the example of service you have lived before us!  

It is with deep sorrow that the Atkins family announces the death of their beloved father, Mr. Charles William "Billy" Atkins, 100.

Mr. Atkins entered into rest on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at his home following a brief illness. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family.

A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in The Chapel of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. His grandsons, the Rev. Dr. George Atkins, Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Nathan Cline, will officiate the service, with burial to follow in Magnolia Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Winburn will officiate the graveside committal. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in his honor to The Connie Maxwell Children's Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, and the Hartsville Masonic Lodge #173, Attn: Kevin Fox, PO Box 478, Hartsville, SC 29551.

Mr. Atkins was born in Bennettsville on November 13, 1923. He was the son of the late Charlie Boyd Atkins and Modena Blackman Atkins. He graduated from Bennettsville High School and attended Coker College. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving as a Medical Tech assigned to the 102nd General Hospital stationed in England.

He moved to Hartsville in 1941 and was associated with the funeral home presently known as Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home for 77 years as a licensed funeral director. He loved his job and served people with loving compassion during difficult times. Billy was the oldest living funeral director in South Carolina. He was also a member of the Hartsville Masonic Lodge #173 and was the oldest living Mason in Hartsville.

Mr. Atkins was a member of First Baptist Church Hartsville and could always be found sitting in his Men's Sunday School class and on his pew on Sunday morning. He had a remarkable memory. His children and grandchildren loved for him to share poetry he had learned in elementary school. He had a poem for every event in life. He also proudly shared many stories about his time spent in the war. Mr. Atkins was most proud of his family and loved to be with them as much as possible. He lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his sons, James T. (Virginia) Atkins of Lafayette, LA, George T. (Robin) Atkins, Sr. of Hartsville, SC; daughter, Sara A. (Kenny) Braddock of Columbia, SC; and his very special friends, Luke and Gail Watson. He was proudly and affectionately called "Poppa" by his nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.