Walker Montgomery "Buddy" Atkinson Jr.

Buddy Atkinson Jr. RICHBURG - Walker Montgomery "Buddy" Atkinson Jr., 88, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016, at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Union ARP Church in Richburg with Mr. Watson Gunderson, the Rev. Mark Wyatt and Mr. Barry Dodson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Union Church Fellowship Hall. Buddy was born in Richburg, S.C. on May 2, 1927, and was the son and only child of the late Walker M. Atkinson Sr. and Mary Gladden Atkinson. His maternal grandfather was William Banks Gladden of Richburg. Buddy was a lifelong resident of Chester County. Buddy grew up working in the family business and on the family farm. The farm was later sold to the wood production facility operated by Boise Cascade on Highway 9 in Chester, S.C. In his youth, Buddy lived on Saluda Street in Chester and had a lifelong friendship with his cousin, James H. "Chick" Anderson of Chester. After serving in the Merchant Marines from 1945 through 1952 as a Machinists Mate, Buddy worked for the Richard Petty and Holman Moody Racing teams. After the sale of the family farm, Buddy moved to Richburg and worked at the Richburg Cattle Barn and pursued his lifelong interest in unique and innovative mechanical and construction projects with his many friends, especially Randolph Crowder of Rock Hill. Although he had no immediate family, Buddy was constantly attended by friends during his last days. These included Steve Jessop of Chester, Willy and Anji Bowen of Fort Lawn, Thomas Hedgpath of Richburg, Todd Andrews and family of Richburg, Jerry Locke of Richburg, Bill Gladden of Richburg and Barry Dodson and family of Richburg. Buddy is survived by his cousins including Mrs. John B. Wells (Mary) of Seabrook Island, S.C., Mr. Marvin I. Lawson (Bridgette) of Darl-ington, S.C. and Mr. James H. "Chick" Anderson of Chester, S.C., as well as other cousins. He was pre-deceased by his very close friend, Hazel Bowers of Richburg. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice or Union ARP Building Fund, c/o David McCain, Treasurer, 1254 Silverbrook Road, Richburg, SC 29729.