William Austin Atkinson Jr.

William Austin Atkinson, Jr., 82, of Carmel, Indiana passed away on January 9, 2024.  William, known as Bill, was born to William Austin Atkinson and Donna Elizabeth Kelley, on October 21, 1941, in the small railroad town of Crewe, Virginia.  He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Johanna Fisher Atkinson; their three children, Brian and Sue Atkinson, John and Jennifer Atkinson, and Kelley and John Ruden; five grandchildren, Katie Atkinson, Hannah, Natalie and Tim Ruden, and Erik Atkinson.

Bill attended Crewe High School where he played football.  He went on to play football at Virginia Tech where he studied engineering.  He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1969 and later attended the VCU Graduate School of Business.  Bill spent a lot of his free time teaching his children how to play sports and coaching little league soccer, baseball, and football. 

Bill had a successful career with Westvaco Corporation from 1970 until his retirement in 2003 as the Product Sales Manager for the western United States.  His promotions led him and his family to live across the country, including Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas and Indiana.  

After retirement, Bill enjoyed playing golf regularly at the Plum Creek Golf Club, near his home.  On September 17, 2012, he had a hole in one on the 9^th hole.  Bill was also active in the Carmel community.  He was a long-time member of the Carmel United Methodist Church.  He dedicated his time to various organizations, volunteering at the Interfaith Hospitality Network, serving as a substitute teacher, delivering presents for Angel Tree Ministries and supporting local charities.  His selflessness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.  He will be dearly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren who deeply loved and adored him.

Services will be held at the Carmel United Methodist Church on Wednesday January 17, 2024.  Visitation from 2:30 p.m. until the memorial service at 3:30 p.m.