Clarence Atkinson

Clarence Atkinson of Skipwith, Virginia was born to the late Thomas Jefferson Beattie and Dessie Mae Beattie, on July 23rd, 1947, and entered eternal rest on November 11th, 2025.
He graduated from West End High School and joined the Army to serve our country where he was honorably discharged as a Sergent receiving a Purple Heart for his bravery in the Vietnam War. Clarence went on to become a Brick Mason for over 40 years.
Clarence joined the Rocky Mount Baptist Church at an early age where he later became a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Rocky Mount Male Chorus. Clarence not only supported his church, he also attended many churches in the surrounding community.
In addition to his parents, Clarence is preceded in death by nine brothers, Curtis and Freddie Atkinson, Homer Wilson, Johnny Drye, Quincy, Larry, Leroy, John Henry, Freddy Lee, and Buddy Beattie; and seven sisters; Virginia Jackson, Hellen Royster, Earline Barnes, Mildred Bugg, Mollie, Fannie, and Charity Stephens.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Rebecca Atkinson; three children, Tresser (Willie) Henderson from Roanoke, Va, Sabrina Atkinson, and Clarence Atkinson of Chase City, Va; eight grandchildren; Bryona, Zakiya, Kizmet, Jada, Jocque, Tikai, and Elijah; and seven great-grandchildren.
A Special Thanks to his grandson, Jamil Roberts,who stepped in and became a pillar of unwaveringstrength, demonstrating selflessness, patience, and compassion as he became a devoted caregiver to his grandfather.
He also leaves behind one sister, Shirley (Joseph) Parker of Lynchburg, VA., one brother, Timothy (Priscilla) Beattie of Henderson, NC; and a host of relatives and friends.
Clarence always put God first, wearing the armor of faith and trusting that God made all the difference. He was a true Gladiator to the very end.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Carter's Funeral Home.
Service for Deacon Clarence Atkinson will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00AM at the Rocky Mount Baptist Church. Reverend Dennis King will deliver the eulogy.
Carter's Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.