Julian Ray Atkins

Julian "Ray" Atkins, age 82, of Roseville, Michigan, passed on to the next life on February 21, 2022 after a long battle with heart complications. Ray is survived by his two sons, Kevin R. [Donelle] Atkins and Rodney R. [Corina] Atkins, both of Roseville, Michigan; sisters Charlotte [Lloyd] Wheaton of LaFayette, Georgia and Geraldine Kennedy of Waterloo, Iowa; sister-in-law Alice [Kenneth] Taylor of Foley, Alabama and brother-in-law John Stewart of Canal Westchester, Ohio; he left behind 4 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was born on January 18th, 1940 to Julian B. and Edna Atkins in Trion, Georgia. After WWII, the Atkins' family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 17 years old, and served in the Reserves for many years. Ray married Rebecca "Becky" Stewart of Detroit on August 29, 1958. They were both 18 years old when they wed. Ray and Becky enjoyed dancing and traveling. One of their favorite destinations was Niagara Falls. Ray also loved music, playing the guitar, bowling, shooting pool, his country and tinkering with car and tractor repair. He worked for Great Lakes Beverage and delivered Anheuser-Busch products to local establishments for many years. He switched jobs after he was hit by a car that left him with limited mobility in his legs. Ray retired from Wolverine Plating Company located in Roseville, Michigan. He was predeceased by his wife, Becky, who passed on March 27, 1993. Ray will be laid to rest next to her at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 12 at New Hope Christian Church located at 52226 Van Dyke, Ave. Shelby Township, MI 48316. There will be a burial following the service at White Chapel Cemetery located at 621 W. Long Lake Rd, Troy, MI 48098. Luncheon to follow at New Hope Christian Church. In-leu of flowers, you may donate to Ray's favorite charity by contacting St Jude Children's Hospital at 800-213-6584. Mention you want to make a Memorial Donation in the name of Julian Atkins.