Harold “Boots” Atkins, 87, of Gulf died Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation, Sanford.
Harold was born on May 1, 1931, in Columbus County and was the son of Gipsie and Elsie Roberts Atkins. He served in the US Army. Boots began his lifelong driving career for General Creosote Company and for Pomona Pipe Products, and then became owner and operator of H. Atkins Trucking. He enjoyed building dirt track race cars and making his own BBQ sauce, fishing and helping with community fund-raising benefits.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Bobbie Jean Phillips Atkins; a sister, Harriet A. Dietz; and two brothers, Ashley Atkins and Daley Atkins.
He is survived by daughters, Karen Atkins of Pittsboro, Kathy Atkins Johnson and husband Randall of Silk Hope; and son, Mike Atkins and wife Helen of Moncure; grandchildren, Kaylee and Michael; sister-in-law, Ann Womack and brother-in-law, Charles “Bucky” Phillips and wife Frances, all of Sanford; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, 503 Alton King Road, Gulf, with the Rev. Leslie Puryear officiating.
Please consider making a memorial donation to the Goldston Fire Department, P O Box 432, Goldston, NC 27252 or to Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family.
On line condolences may be made at www.pugh funeralhome.com.