Loyd Ralph Atkins of Decatur died peacefully Monday, October 6, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Ralph served his country in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 as a sergeant first class. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Decatur. He was a retiree of Monsanto after 35 years. Ralph’s hobbies included fishing, all sports, gardening in which he loved his tomato plants and he loved University of Alabama football. Ralph was a man of his word who loved his friends, family, and his church family at First Baptist of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odie Warren and Emma Williams Atkins; and his brother, Hollan Atkins. Survivors include his wife, Jane Gillespie Atkins; daughter, Roxann Atkins Hinkle (Phillip) of Atlanta, GA; son, Brad Atkins (Leigh Ellen) of Decatur; grandchildren, Grant Hinkle of Hattiesburg, MS, Jenna Hinkle of Savannah, GA and Jacob and Reagan Atkins of Decatur; brother, Johnny (Syble) Atkins; and sisters, Pat (Jackie) Carter, Sue (Raymond) Breeding, Margie Whitt and Macle (Eugene) Thornton.
A Celebration of Life was held October 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur in the Stephenson Chapel with Reverend Blake Kersey officiating. A time of gathering with the family was from noon to 2 p.m. at the church with burial in Roselawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Phillip Hinkle, Grant Hinkle, Phillip Thornton, Steve Atkins, John McCrackin and Dr. Steven Boyles. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Atkins, Lonnie McCrackin, Jackie Carter, Raymond Breeding, Brian Hamlin, Eugene Thornton and Tom DiGuillian.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Decatur or Hospice of the Valley in Decatur.
