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Philip Atkinson Obituary
Asheville - Philip Newell Atkinson, 87, of Asheville, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017.
A native of Asheville, he was a son of the late Edward and Nell Boaz Atkinson. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ned Atkinson.
Mr. Atkinson attended Claxton School, Lee Edwards High School, and Baylor High School in Chattanooga, TN. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the ATO Fraternity.
Mr. Atkinson owned and operated a construction business for 67 years, working up until last Friday. He was a member First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, where he was an ordained elder and a member of the session. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Asheville and he was on the Vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mobile, AL.
Mr. Atkinson served in the U.S. Air Force during Korea. He loved hunting, fishing, and the mountains of NC and the Gulf Coast.
Surviving are his wife, Thea Baumbauer Atkinson; daughter, Joy Blue and husband Chris of Greenville, SC; sons, Drew Atkinson of Asheville and Theo Atkinson and wife Ashley of Mobile, AL; and grandchildren Whitney, Joy, Drake, Hunter, Sage, Thea and Lyle.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, with Rev. Dr. Patrick Poulas officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St., Asheville, NC 28801, or to Camp Daniel Boone in Canton, 3647 Little East Fork Rd., Canton, NC 28716.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd. is assisting the family, and the online register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Atkinson
Sponsored by Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Services - East Asheville.
Karen Miller, RN
February 16, 2017
I had the honor and pleasure of being Philip's treatment nurse at the Veteran's home. He remains one of my favorite success stories because we were able to get him healed up and back home. I have his admission picture up in my office smiling at me every day and it always feels like he's there encouraging me when I have a bad day. I was sad to learn of his passing. I wish your family peace and the comfort of memories. He was such a great guy and a true inspiration on so many levels--I'm so glad I got to know him!
February 6, 2017
Even a long and fruitful life on this earth does not compare to life eternal. At John 5:25-29, God gives Jesus the joyful task of calling all back from the grave. C J
Laura Hicks
February 6, 2017
Drew, I'm truly sorry to learn of the death of your dear father. Please know I'm thinking of you and your family. XO
Donna Shope
February 3, 2017
Phil was a true Southern gentleman,a good friend and a joy to work with. He will be missed.
Donna Frazier
February 3, 2017
Though we did not know him long, he was our neighbor. I always admired him as he always got up to go to work. He would always come home the same time I came home from work. He spoke often of his family . And was happy. Our heart Andy prayers goes out to the entire family. He had a full life and you can tell he loved life.
Our condolences
Donna and Jim Frazier
February 3, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mimi St. John
February 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time of sorrow.
Donald Howell
February 2, 2017
Condolences to family of my High School Classmate. Peace be with you.
Ana
February 2, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Those who have died, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest sympathy.
February 2, 2017
Sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of all comfort bring you and your family comfort during this trialsome time.
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