William D. Atkins

ATKINS, William Sr., 82, affectionately known as “Bill,” was welcomed to his Heavenly home on July 3, 2018. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge. He was an automobile mechanic by trade and became disabled following an injury on the job. Bill was a true fighter who overcame many adversities in his life. Almost 35 years ago, by the Grace of God, he not only overcame his habit of cigarette smoking (which left him with COPD), but more importantly, he won his battle against alcoholism! Nearly eleven years ago, Bill had surgery for Esophageal Cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center. Then later, he participated in a medical study at Moffitt Cancer Center after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Chemotherapy and blood transfusions slowed the progression of Bill's disease and he continued fighting a courageous battle, until his MDS transitioned into Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) several months ago. With much prayer and his faith in God's will for his life, Bill won the final battle and was welcomed to God's Eternal Heavenly rest, passing away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was surrounded by family while under Gulfside Hospice Care. Bill loved his extended family at Messiah Lutheran Church where he worshiped our Lord every Sunday and during special church holidays. In his pastime, he enjoyed watching many types of sports, fishing, cooking for his family, and caring for his daughter, Toni; they were two peas in a pod. Bill is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Toni; his parents; brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth; his sons, Bill Jr. and his wife, Nancy; and Brian, his daughter, Kathleen; his brothers, Harry and Arthur and their wives; and his grandchildren, Cree and Callie; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family welcomes you to join them in honoring Bill's life at Messiah Lutheran Church, located at 14920 Hutchison Rd. in Tampa, on Saturday August 4th, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. A light lunch will be served at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Bill's memory to Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Gardens, or to the Moffitt Cancer Institute in Tampa Florida as they continue further research on a cure for cancer. Words of comfort may be expressed for Williams’s family by clicking “Share a Memory”.