William C. Gardner Atkinson

William C. "Bill" Gardner Atkinson, 62, formerly of Palm Springs, Calif. and most recently of Seaford, Del., passed away on September 8, 2010 at 3:30 AM after a vigorous courageous brave battle with lung cancer. We remember him, cherish him, and honor him. Bill you have long been in our prayers, and will always be remembered and held in our hearts. He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa M. Atkinson of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Brandy R. Atkinson of Seaford, Del.; son, Jason W. Atkinson of Columbus, Ohio; and his beloved granddaughter of Seaford. He will be sorely missed by many friends here in the desert. Bill was best known as the founder and CEO of Hot Desert Knights, Inc., a company that produces adult entertainment for the gay community. Started in 1998, Hot Desert Knights, Inc. quickly became a leader in the gay adult entertainment industry with sales throughout the world. Actively involved in politics, Bill also served as City Manager and City Councilman of Bellefontaine, Ohio and was President of The Delaware Motor Transport Association, an affiliate of the American Trucking Association, before his partial retirement to Palm Springs in 1994. A private memorial service will be held in Seaford. His ashes with be spread per his wishes in Kauai, Hawaii at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the AIDS Assistance Program, 1276 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Condolence messages to the family can be emailed to Bill's son Jason at jabucks1@yahoo.com or emailed to Bill's daughter Brandy at debrandy72@yahoo.com or mailed to the entire family at: 232 N. Shore Court, Seaford, DE 19973.