Allison Ray Atkins

ATKINS WINSTON-SALEM - "I pray when my body ceaseth to do me function that those who truly love me will have the courage to let go of me so that I may be truly well and with my Lord." Benjamin Franklin 1789 Mr. Allison Ray ('A' Ray) Atkins, 71, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. Memorial will be Lewisville UMC, 6290 Shallowford Rd. at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 8. 'A' Ray offered his unconditional love, kind-spirit and understanding demeanor wherever he met you on his journey. He believed and lived his life in harmony with all of God's creations. He continuously forgave and asked for forgiveness to keep his hands and heart clean as God has taught us to be ready for his day. He maintained the most positive approach to life's circumstances while keeping busy helping others, playing golf, singing and performing dramatic presentations at the W-S Little Theatre. As a young man he worked for R.J.R. as a lab technician. After that he moved on to LA Reynolds Company. He also worked at the Central YMCA as the Metropolitan Properties Supervisor. He later purchased Lewisville Paving Company and served this community for over twenty years. Through his business he was able to minister to countless people through fellowship and sharing his unconditional love. 'A' Ray had a beautiful voice and loved singing with the Carolina Praise Choir and the SPEBS Barber Shop Choir. He often gathered with those who shared his faith in God at Lewisville UMC, First Assembly of God (Music of Performing Arts), Calvary Baptist Church and the Pine Grove UMC. He served untiringly in the Men's Ministries, Marriage and Family Ministries, and met with a Men's Accountability Group of five at First Assembly each Saturday morning to pray and encourage others in their faith. 'A' Ray was a tremendous athlete and golfer, he played and participated in many golf functions during his adult life, then taught the fundamentals of golf at Forsyth Tech. Moreover, while attending Catawba College he played football on a scholarship. Although, he is absent from our presence, we are consoled through the word of God that he is present with the Lord. 'A' Ray was born in Forsyth County to the late Quinton Atkins and Mary Seal Atkins on March 21, 1939. He graduated from Southwest HS in 1957 and was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harold Atkins. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Suzy Atkins; his children, Allison Anderson (Jeff), Ashley Branch, Brad Atkins (Melissa), Britt Atkins (Jecca); his step-children; Lisa Santos (Marcello), Charles Shouse and Jim Johnston; grandchildren: Garrett Branch, Joshua Atkins, Matthew Atkins, Addison Branch, Peyton Anderson, Luke Atkins, Elijah Atkins and Tanner Atkins; two special pets, Heidi and Bambi; his siblings, Aileen Miller, Jeanette Cook, Edna Earl Long, David (Carol) Atkins & Daniel Atkins (Carol). He also leaves many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and church families. Memorials may be sent to the KBR Hospice, 101 Hospice Lane, W-S, NC 27103. We, would like to express our love and gratitude to the wonderful staff for the care shown to our family at Forsyth Memorial (9th Flr. Oncology) and KBR Hospice Palliative CareCenter.