Photo courtesy of Sanders Funeral Home - Smithfield
4621 Dresden Village Dr. Raleigh, North Carolina
Jan 6, 1947 – Apr 22, 2019 (Age 72)
On January 6, 1947, Karlton David Atkinson came into this world. Born to Liddie John Atkinson and Albert Atkinson Sr. of Princeton, NC. Karlton attended Princeton Graded School and Richard B. Harrison High School. He continued his education and attended North Carolina A&T State University before enlisting in the United States Army on October 8, 1968. During his deployment he was stationed in Germany and Vietnam. Before receiving an honorable discharge, he was awarded three medals for his service. After serving in the military, Karlton took up a career in logistics and drove 18-wheelers. Enjoying the flexibility of his work, he ventured into real estate investment. His endeavors led him to the construction and acquisition of commercial real estate property in Princeton, NC. Through the union of marriage to Diana Bagley, a daughter, Yvonne Michelle Hocker, was born. Following in her Father's footsteps, she enlisted in the United States Army where she met her husband and gave birth to two daughters, Tamaara Denise Hocker and Chante Michelle Hocker. Upon her untimely passing, Karlton nobly adopted his grandchildren and raised them as his own. During this time he was blessed to meet and forge a relationship with the loving Gloria Bradsher. For 16 years she was his companion, his "baby", his partner and his friend. She remained by his side until his final breath. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Liddie Atkinson; daughter, Yvonne Michelle Hocker; his brothers, Reginald Francis Atkinson and Curtis Sylvester Atkinson Sr.; and his nephew, Eric Francis Atkinson. He leaves to mourn two granddaughters, Chante and Tamaara Hocker of Raleigh, NC; sisters, Yvonne Presley and Shirley Atkinson of Princeton, NC, and Regina Foye (Rudy) of Selma, NC; brothers, Molton Ray Atkinson (Delores) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Albert C Brock Atkinson of Washington, DC, Larry Donnell Atkinson (Bonnie) of Capital Heights, MD; and his partner of over 16 years, Gloria Bradsher of Mebane, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Wake: Saturday, May 04 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Vintage Church Downtown 118 S. Person St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Funeral Service: Saturday, May 04 11:00 AM Vintage Church Downtown 118 S. Person St. Raleigh, NC 27601 Interment: Sunday, May 05 12:00 PM Everette Cemetery Princeton, NC
Chante, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. O'Lancia and Family
Nancy Washington
June 23, 2019 | Garner, NC | Friend
I knew Karlton very well.. he would come to Poole Rd. in Raleigh every now and then.. I used to keep that nice red truck of his clean, while he get a haircut a Lee's barber shop..I going to miss my buddy. To the family of Mr. Atkinson keep your head up and take care. E.f.johnson.
Eric Johnson
May 07, 2019 | Raleigh, NC | Friend
Linda and I send our deepest condolences.
Karlton was a good man and a good friend. He was always concerned about his fellow Vietnam Vets. We too will surely miss him. Thank God for the time we had with him. May you find comfort in lasting memories of him.
Wilbert Eatmon
May 03, 2019 | Durham, NC | Friend
Know that he is resting with the Lord!
Yolanda Holmes
May 03, 2019 | Washington, DC
You will be sorely missed. Love you.
Ruby Simmons Simmons
May 01, 2019 | Selma, NC | Classmate
Love U 2 Pieces
Michael Atkinson
May 01, 2019 | Japan | Family
Whenever I see Karlton's smile I immediately return to our days as young kids running around the family farm. I still laugh at the way you helped this city boy adjust to life on the farm. Thank you Cousin for a lifetime of memories. So very sad that we won't be able to laugh about days gone by. Rest In Peace, my Brotha!
Lawrence Everett
May 01, 2019 | Passaic, NJ | Family
Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Juanita Jones
May 01, 2019 | Raleigh, NC | Friend
To the family of Karlton, I extend my deepest sympathy in your loss. I remember Marlton as a kind spirit with a warm smile. May God comfort and keep you
Wanda Bryant
May 01, 2019 | Selma, NC | Friend