Doug Atkin

Doug Atkin obituary, Smyrna, TN

Doug Atkin

Doug Atkin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Simple Cremation & Funeral Services on Mar. 17, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Douglas L. Atkin, 86, of Smyrna, TN passed away peacefully Saturday, March 8th with his family at his side.
He graduated in 1956 from Willoughby Union High School (Willoughby, Ohio) where he played drums in the "Rangers" marching band. While in High School, Doug played drums in the first Rock-and-Roll band in the area, "The Four Plaids". He continued to play music into adulthood in "The Lamplighters".
As a native of Ohio, Doug was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns as well as both the Ohio State football team and marching band.
He married the love of his life, Linda Maitland, on November 8, 1958. They had three children, Larry (Cindy), Ken, and Melissa (deceased).
Among Doug's many interests were coaching his sons' baseball teams, playing drums and guitar, writing and performing music, and enjoying his beagles. He was also a wonderful cook, often creating recipes of his own with the thought of authoring a cookbook. No one ever turned down an invitation to come to the Atkins' for a meal.
Doug was a founding member of All Saints Episcopal Church (Smyrna) and St. Patrick's Anglican Church (Murfreesboro).
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Linda; his sons Larry (Cindy), Ken, Lucas, and Kerry Gleason; his brother Denny; grandchildren Ashley (Adam) Bond, Dustin (Morgan) Atkin, Christopher (Julie), Courtney (Eric) Bennett, and Robert (Kandace); Great grandchildren Addison, Alivia, Annlynn, Amelia, Lynnex, Caden, Camren, Nathan, and Franke; as well as many long-time friends who loved him dearly.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Wendell; his daughter Melissa Renee, his brother Don and wife Barbara.
A visitation with the family will be held at 3:30pm Sunday March 23rd at St. Patrick's Anglican Church (7103 Baker Road, Murfreesboro, TN) with the Burial Rite (Funeral) to follow at 4:30pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Doug's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Doug Atkin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Doug Atkin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?