WILLIAM HARRY ATKINSON III

William Harry Atkinson, III, age 75, of Bunnell, died Monday, March 15, 2010 at his home in his sleep. He was a native of Waycross, Georgia and lived in Bunnell since 1943, coming from Kingsland, Georgia. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell and had been a 2 term Bunnell City Commissioner. He and his family owned and operated Bunnell Motor Company from 1944 - 1975. He loved his family and enjoyed gardening and playing golf. He was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Dallas Cowboys and he loved to root for all of the Ford racing cars. He sponsored the winning car in the Daytona 500 race in 1967 with driver Mario Andretti. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elise and William H. Atkinson, Jr.; a brother, Moses Reed Atkinson and a sister, Glenda Atkinson Pellicer Nulph. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joanne Solana Atkinson of Bunnell; three sons, William H. "Mickey" Atkinson, IV and wife Lee Cobb Atkinson of Thomasville, Georgia, Robert Boyce Atkinson of West Mystic, Connecticut and Miles Reed Atkinson of Bunnell; two daughters, Patricia Peavy Tilton & husband, Bart and Janet Peavy Roberts & husband, Richard, all of Bunnell; brother, Boyce Cornelius "Neal" Atkinson and wife, Joanette of Texas; eight grandchildren, Lauren Atkinson, Ryan Atkinson, Victoria Atkinson, Corey Atkinson, Trey Tully, Shane Tully, Cylle Stone, and Shawn Stone. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. today (Friday March 19th) at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell with Rev. Elizabeth Gardner officiating. Burial will be held 3:00 P.M. today (Friday) at Emaunel Methodist Church Cemetery in Brunswick, Georgia. In celebration of his life a memorial video will be shown. Friends may call today (Friday) from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 205 N Pine St Bunnell, FL 32110. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.JohnsonOverturf Funerals.com. Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka is in charge of arrangements. (386) 325-4521