Melanie Ruth King Atkins

Melanie Ruth King Atkins
February 8, 2021
Dalton, Georgia - Melanie Ruth King Atkins August 4, 1941 - February 8, 2021 Melanie Ruth King Atkins was born August 4, 1941 in Columbus, Georgia, a daughter of the late Ernest and Helen King. Her father served twenty years in the United States Army, and as a result, they relocated often. She lived in Columbus, GA, Pine Mountain Valley, GA, Spokane, Washington, Rialto, CA, Germany and Japan, before returning to Georgia. She was a graduate of Harris County High School in Hamilton, GA, and attended Fontana Junior College in California. She worked as a secretary at the Fort Benning Army Post Veterinarian Center, where she met Rodger. They were married on September 27, 1969, at Callaway Gardens. They then lived in Lilburn, GA, where Rodger founded his veterinary practice. They moved to Dardanelle, AR from 1972-1990, College Station, TX from 1990-2000, and then retired to Dalton to be closer to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodger Dow Atkins, DVM, and her brother, Mike King of Altamonte, FL. She is survived by her siblings Carol (Dennis) Vaughn of Phenix City, AL, Tim (Charlott) King of Salem, AL, Terry (Debbie) King of Colorado Springs, CO, Steve King of Dalton, GA, and Ann Marie Allen of Carrollton, GA: sisters in law Linda Hall Nelson of Lampasas, TX, and Mary Jamé (Kevin) Bodenhamer of Tulsa, OK; and cousins in law, Linda Lindsley (Robert) Farnsworth of Palm Desert, CA and Cherry Haney Fishburne of Birmingham, AL. She was a "second mom" to her siblings, always making time for each one individually, taking them to the beach and other special outings, even as a young adult living away from home. Mell was the family genealogist, spending several decades traveling to cemeteries, sorting through musty old books in tiny libraries, meeting distant relatives, and compiling a room full of detailed, highly organized binders. The internet was a welcome gift for her, as she was able to do research from home and share her discoveries more easily. She was always willing to lend her expertise to friends who were curious about their own backgrounds, and generously gave of her time and talents. She was also an enthusiastic artist, tackling sewing, painting, and almost any form of craft imaginable. She loved animals (Rodger was a vet, after all), and usually had a cat or dog as a member of the household. She volunteered for years at Hospice, doing what she could to be of help. She was a very kind and caring person, with a very dry sense of humor. She will be missed by her many friends and family members. She will be inurned in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Chattanooga (hospiceofchattanooga.org) would be appreciated. You can text HOC to 234-725, or mail to 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002