William Burton Atkins

Bill Atkins, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on July 7th, 2010 at his home. William Burton Atkins was born on January 2, 1938 in Wilder, Idaho to John Wellington Atkins and Marjorie Virginia Atkins. He was born at home in a house across from the island of the Snake River. He attended Homedale Schools. Bill was orphaned as a young boy and spent some time on the farm with his half brother, Willis Atkins and his wife, Glennis. Later he was taken in and raised by his half brother, Earl Atkins and his wife, Rosemary. Bill considered Earl and Rosie's children as his siblings i.e. Tom, Delores, Rob, Steve, Terry Lee and Dawn Ann. Bill served for a time in the U S Army. He later moved to Wallace, Idaho where he met the love of his life, Roxie. Bill married Roxie Janet Barney on February 1st, 1958 in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. He was a hard rock miner in the Silver Valley for many years. While there, he enjoyed camping, fishing and boating with his family on Thompson Lake. He was also an avid and proficient hunter. Bill was a self taught musician, a guitar player and for a time played in a band. He tried his hand at scuba diving and panning for gold. In 1975, Bill and Roxie moved to Homedale where Bill worked as a mechanic and later as a truck driver. He was a self proclaimed "Jack of all Trades". In later years, Bill became a Ham Operator. His call sign was KD7GRN. He faithfully checked in to the "net" and traveled the air waves, "shooting skip" around the world, making friends in many States and several Continents. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home with his co-pilot, Roxie. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his half brothers, Earl and his wife, Rosemary and Willis Atkins and little brothers, Johnnie, and Terry Lee Atkins. Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Roxie, by his sister Mary Ellen Rondoni of Meadow Vista, California, a daughter, Terri Uria and husband Ric of Homedale, a son, Sonny Atkins and his wife Teri of Carlin, Nevada, a daughter, Darlene Atkins, and a daughter, Mary Bradshaw and husband Larry of Ramona, California. His grandchildren include: Tina, Tristen and Michelle Uria, Tim and Jamie Atkins, Dustin Atkins, Kristi and Eli Blades, Lindsey, Charlie and Megan Santo, Ronnie, Lyndsie and Kelsie Chesnut. His great grandchildren are Wesley, Marshall, Halo, Beau, Conner, Addison, Layne, Dominik, Sophea, Kyle and Theran. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was beloved and cherished by his family. He will be remembered by his warm hugs and teasing spirit. Wonderful family memories are engraved on our hearts and will be cherished for years to come. A celebration of his life was held at his home on July 10th. Service Information