Benjamin Franklin Atkins Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - Benjamin Franklin Atkins Jr., 87, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001, in Riverside Regional Medical Center. A native and lifelong resident of Newport News, he was born to the late Benjamin F. and Mary Lou Carter Atkins. During his early years, he attended public schools and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. He attended Huntington High School where he was active in the band until graduation in 1932. He then entered Hampton Institute where he completed his enrollment in the Trade School. In 1939 he joined in Holy matrimony with Thelma Ricks of Newport News. This union lasted 44 years until her death in 1983. In 1943, Frank entered the United States Navy where he served as a diesel engineer and rose to the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy he then served in the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired as a supervisor. His community affiliations included membership in Antioch Baptist and later Second Baptist Church; however, at the time of his death, he was a member of World Victory Church. He was also a longtime and devoted member of the Beau Brummel Civic and Social Club in Hampton. He leaves to cherish his memory a brother, Elias Atkins; a sister, Georgia A. Ryder; eight nieces; five nephews; stepdaughter, Vivian Jones; cousins of the Carter family; and many loving friends. Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by his wife, Louise P. Jones Atkins. A funeral service will be held at Noon on Friday, Oct. 12, at World Victory Church, 5900 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Interment will take place in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel and at the church two hours prior to the service.