William T Atkins Jr.

William T. Atkins Jr, age 89, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Born on May 18, 1936, in Library, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late William T. Atkins Sr. and Cora Atkins. He was raised in the Baptist church and grew up attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Library, PA where his mother and father were founding members.

A gifted athlete, Bill attended Virginia State University, where he lettered in varsity football and wrestling. In recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements, he was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. He later earned a Master's degree from Central Michigan University. While at Virginia State, he also became a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, forming lifelong bonds of brotherhood and service.

Bill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and the New Jersey Air National Guard. During his time in the Air Force, he distinguished himself as a boxing champion, reflecting the discipline, strength, and competitive spirit that would characterize his life.

Following his military service, Bill devoted many years to civil service, working in quality assurance at RCA where he was respected for his diligence and commitment to excellence. Later in his career, he found great fulfillment in education, serving as a teacher in Camden, New Jersey for nearly 15 years, where he mentored and encouraged countless students. A lifelong learner and storyteller, Bill was also an author who wrote two books, "Crisscrossers Crisscrossing" and "Roots to Library", sharing reflections and stories connected to his life and heritage.

Deeply committed to his community and faith, Bill served as Treasurer of the Cherry Hill Minority Civic Association and was an active member of St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, where he sang in the church choir and was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver.

A devoted father, Bill spent countless hours coaching his children in soccer, football, baseball, and wrestling, instilling in them the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever time permitted.

Bill was also a man of determination and skill who took great pride in providing for his family. With his own two hands, he built much of the family's Cherry Hill home, ensuring that it would be a place where his family had room to grow, gather, and celebrate life together.

Education was one of the values he held most dear. He not only ensured that each of his six children would go on to earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, but he also encouraged his beloved wife to pursue and complete both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

In 1966, he married his "dream girl," Betty, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, devotion, and shared purpose. Together they raised five sons and one daughter, creating a close-knit family grounded in faith, perseverance, and deep affection for one another.

Bill never met a stranger. He seemed to know everyone and greeted each person with warmth, conversation, and often a bit of practical advice for the young men he encountered along the way. His grandchildren will remember him for always seeing their true potential-and for the playful scolding that came when they helped themselves to gooseberries from his backyard bush. His children will remember his deep devotion to their mother, his constant support of their pursuits, and his good humor in serving as the frequent subject of their affectionate and occasionally irreverent jokes. And Betty, his beloved wife and partner of sixty years, will remember him as the best husband, friend, and co-parent she could have imagined. Together they built a life filled with faith, perseverance, laughter, and love-one that far exceeded the dreams they first shared and whose legacy will continue through the family and home he worked so hard to build.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his children, William "Bill" Atkins III, Robert "Bob" Atkins, Bradley Atkins, Brett Atkins, Elizabeth (Beth)Duz, and Brock Atkins; his 19 grandchildren; his siblings, Betty Wilson, George Atkins, Ann Jones, Lois Jean Atkins, and Brenda Lockley; and his sister-in-law Lennie Jonas. He shared a special lifelong bond with his niece Janean (Gardner)Thomas, who grew up across the street and remained close to him throughout his life. Bill also held a special love and admiration for his older sister Betty Wilson, whose earlier move to Cherry Hill helped inspire his own decision to make the community his home many years ago. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William T. Atkins Sr. and Cora Atkins; his sisters, Mary Katherine and Julia; and his brother, Bob.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to Joseph's House, 555 Atlantic Ave. Camden, NJ.

A repast will follow at Giovanni's.

at 37 Clementon Rd, Unit 3, Berlin, NJ 08009.