Robert Haywood Atkins Sr.

Haywood Atkins Sr. PORTSMOUTH - Robert Haywood Atkins Sr., 76, loving husband, dad and granddaddy passed away Feb. 20, 2009. He was a retired captain with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Fire Department. After his retirement he went to work for Rodman's Barbecue. Haywood was a member of Churchland Masonic Lodge No. 276, the Clown Unit of the Khedive Shrine Temple, Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Haywood was predeceased by his parents, Alice Bennett Atkins and Jessie Bernard Atkins Sr. and a brother, J.B. "Bud" Atkins Jr. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy C. Atkins; two daughters, Margie A. Boggs and husband Terry and Carol A. Johnson; son, Robert Haywood "Bobby" Atkins Jr.; two grandchildren, Gary M. Johnson and fiancée, Audra and Jaime Weston Petty; three great-grandchildren, Kennith Petty, Olivia Petty and Aiden Johnson; two sisters, Martha Morris and husband Jack and Louise Smith; a sister-in-law, Molly Atkins; and several nieces and nephews. Haywood lived every day of his life helping others. A funeral with Masonic rites will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, by the Rev. W. Thomas Wood with burial in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shriners Hopitals for Children. Condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.