Russell A. Atkinson

Russell A. Atkinson, age 73, of Cane Ridge, TN passed away on Monday, December 23, 2013 at his residence after an extended illness. Russell was born on September 20, 1940 in Cincinnati, OH to the late Leatha F. (Anthony) Padgitt and Wilbur Russell Atkinson. Russ was married to and survived by Pamela A. (Galiardi) Atkinson on February 25, 1979 in Eaton, Ohio. He retired from General Motors Corporation in 1993 and Neaton Auto Products in 2003 where he was an assembly line worker. While living in Preble County he attended Wares Chapel United Methodist Church until 2001 and Eaton First Church of God until moving to the Nashville area in 2013. His dedication to The Lord and sense of compassion for the needy lead him to be a volunteer at Preble County Habitat for Humanity, assisting the ministry to build 13 homes in Preble County. Russell was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Leatha and George Padgitt; father Wilbur Russell Atkinson; oldest son Russell A. Atkinson; and brother Paul L. Atkinson. He counted it a joy to be a servant of God and his people. He was a graduate of Monroe Central High School in 1959 where he participated in basketball and track. He played on the all-county alumni basketball team and took up running as his hobby. He was a competitive runner for Inland Manufacturings DIAA team and a member of Ohio Road Runners. Russ will be remembered most for his kind, loving and gentle spirit. He is survived by his wife Pamela A. Atkinson; sons Joseph E. (Deborah) Atkinson of Lebanon, OH, Timothy L. (Kaylene) Atkinson of McClure OH, Eric A. (Sarah) Atkinson of Grove City, OH; daughters Marletta J. (Casey) Brooks of Vandalia, OH, Valerie A. (Gordon) Shaffer of Nolensville, TN; eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; brothers John (Georgia) Bredwell of Eaton, OH, Thomas D. Bredwell or Brookville, IN; Joanne Barker of San Antonio, TX; Eldon (Connie) Atkinson of Burnside, KY; Darlene (Bob) Koontz of Eaton, OH; Cynthia A. Padgitt of Bellefontaine, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH 45320. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11:00am at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Todd officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery, Eaton, OH. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Preble County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 492, Eaton, OH 45320.