William Atchison

Family-Placed Death Notice

WILLIAM ANDREW ATCHISON William Andrew Atchison, born July 27, 1923 in Lansing, Michigan, died November 18, 2005 at his home in Decatur, surrounded by his family and friends after a brief and hard fought battle with Lung cancer. Preceded in death his father, William Joy Atchison, mother, Blanche Snook Atchison, first wife, Neddie, "Dennie" Kaneshiro, Survived by his wife of 24 years, Doris Belk Atchison of Decatur, son, William Main Atchison of Marietta and wife, Jan, son, M. Tanner Mendelson of Kennesaw and wife Denise and son Lee Belk Mendelson of Woodstock and wife Tina, daughter, Eve Atchison of Marina Del Ray, California, daughter, Susan Tulk of Eagle, Colorado and husband Brooke, and daughter Leslie Moore of Marietta and husband, Ray. Also survived by his sister, Florence Brigham of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other survivors include grandchildren, Corbett Andrew and Connor Douglas Mendelson, Wyatt Henry Alexander Tulk, Terri, Amy and William Adam Atchison and Alli and Kelsie Moore, and a numerous nieces and nephews. Graduated from Michigan State University with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and Georgia Institute of Technology with a Masters degree in Industrial Management. Veteran of World War II, he was a pilot of the C-46 aircraft and dropped American troops and gliders over Normandy on D-Day in 1943. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1953 as a Chief Test Pilot and was reassigned as Aircraft Commander of C-124 aircraft. Battles and campaigns include Rome-Arno, Southern France, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland. Decorations and citations include Air Medal W/2 Bronze OLC, W/1 Battle Star (Silver), W/1 Bronze Battle Star, American Theatre Ribbon, EAME Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal and three overseas Service Bars. Hired in 1961 by Delta Air Lines, WA Atchison was instrumental in the development of Deltamatic, the first ever computerized reservation system, which replaced the manual key punch system. In 1968, Delta constructed the Greenbriar Computer Center and under the leadership of WA Atchison the complex served a constantly growing reservation network, as well as preparation of flight plans, the dispatch of aircraft and the continuous monitoring of all Delta flights from takeoff to landing. Retired in 1982 with the title of Vice President of Computer Services of Delta Air Lines after 21 years. After retiring he and his wife became avid international travelers, with their favorite destination being the spas in Northern Italy. He was a dedicated photographer of his travels and his grandchildren. He was known by his peers for his dry wit and clever sense of humor. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2005 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722, Oak Grove Road in Decatur. The family will receive guests in the parlor of the church at 2 PM with the memorial service to follow in the church sanctuary at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the William Andrew Atchison Memorial Fund, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, 30033. National Cremations Society. 770-923-2940.