Lawrence Heesch Atkins

Lawrence Heesch Atkins, 82, passed away the morning of September 18, 2025.

Larry was the second son of the late Katherine Jane Heesch and Frank Eugene Atkins. He grew up in Wilmette, IL, attending New Trier High School then graduating from Northwestern University. He briefly attended Stanford but eventually earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. In 1966 he joined the Navy and went to Pensacola, FL for pilot training where he met his wife Pat. They married in 1967. After leaving the Navy, they settled in Wilmette where he started a career in computers and began to raise his two daughters. After 20 years in the industry and multiple moves around the country, he started his own company, Call Processing Systems. A self-proclaimed “bon vivant,” he loved food and enjoyed cooking for his family. Throughout his life, he enjoyed running and walking, usually with his German Shepherd dog by his side. At age 61, he gave his life to Jesus and helped start a local chapter of Celebrate Recovery. He spent the rest of his life trying to help those battling addiction. He eventually became an elder in his church, Faith Presbyterian (PCA).

Larry was the beloved husband of 58 years to Patricia Rabun Atkins and the dearly loved daddy of daughters Laura Atkins Milner (Christian), and Janice Atkins of Smyrna, GA. He is also survived by his brother, William Frank Atkins of Brush Prairie, WA and seven grandchildren, Will Henry Milner, Patrick Lawrence Milner, Susannah Hope Prather (Preston), Thomas Christian Milner, Charlotte Joy Milner, Benjamin Noble Milner, and Julia Mercy Milner of Athens, GA.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 21st at Faith Presbyterian Church in Watkinsville, GA.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com