Thomas Thweatt Atkinson

Thomas Thweatt Atkinson Petersburg and McKenny Virginia - Thomas Thweatt Atkinson III, of Petersburg, Virginia, died on April 16. He was born to the late Thomas Thweatt Atkinson, Jr. and Lucile McMillin Atkinson on October 11, 1954. He was raised on the family dairy farm in McKenney. Tommy graduated from Kenston Forest School in Blackstone and graduated from Louisburg College and the University of Richmond. He worked on the staff of several Republican political campaigns as well as the campaign staff and in the Governor's Office during the administration of John N. Dalton.

He had a professional interest and career in financial services, working as a stock broker in Richmond at Dean Witter and Scott and Stringfellow.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Martha Mann Atkinson, his sisters Nancy Atkinson Patch (Alex), Mary Meade Atkinson Sipple (Chuck), brothers-in-law H. Edward Mann (Becki), P. Jeb Mann (Sheri), and Dwight Pearson (Joanne) as well as three nieces and six nephews who all loved him dearly.

Tommy was a voracious reader and enjoyed learning about all aspects of history; he was incredibly knowledgeable about southern and Virginia history and his family's genealogy. He was also passionate about southern cuisine especially anything with gravy on it. He loved the New York Yankees, 1960's and 70's rock and roll, especially the Beatles, the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. He was a talented musician, playing rhythm guitar and singing harmony in a few small bands.

Some of his closest friendships beginning in 1973 were those who served with him as costumed interpreters (representing Civil War Artillerymen) at Petersburg National Battlefield.

A celebration of Tommy's life will be held at 3PM on Friday April 28 at historic Blandford Church (Rochelle Lane and Crater Road) in Petersburg. A reception will be held immediately afterwards at the Country Club of Petersburg (1250 Flank Rd).