Raymond "Dexter" Atkins

Raymond “Dexter” Atkins Pickens, South Carolina On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Raymond “Dexter” Atkins, a loving husband, daddy, brother, and grandfather, entered the arms of Jesus at the age of seventy-three. Dexter passed peacefully surrounded by his children. Dexter had a successful career in logging and managing several mills where he made a significant impact on everyone he met. Although, he was a man of much expertise, Farming is what made him the happiest. He was passionate about cultivating and harvesting the most beautiful land. He believed a simple way of life that involved a tractor, caring for and maintaining his livestock and rabbit hunting whenever he could. Dexter was full of wisdom from his traditional lifestyle and loved to pass along his knowledge to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Sara Nell and Edgar Atkins, and brother, Chester Atkins. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sondra Atkins, his children, Brian (Christi) Atkins, Tina Kelly, Tracy (Vince) Wade, and Tammy (Randy) Johnson, his grandchildren, Douglas (Jewel) Atkins, Briana (Jacob) Smith, Courtney Gerlach, Zachary (Savanah Lovell) Gerlach, Justin (Amber Rundberg) Wade, Bradley (Mallory) Johnson, Corey (Courtney) Johnson, Brook (Levi) Cournoyer, and lots of great grandchildren who loved him dearly. Dexter also leaves behind his siblings, Judy (Ronald) Howard and Sally (Tim) Murrell and 9 nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Lindsay (Brandon) Patterson and Kara (Cole) Strickland, and special nephews, Michael Howard and Brett (Amy) Howard. The family will hold a receiving of friends on February 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM and funeral ceremony to follow at 3:00 PM. Both services will be at Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, where Dexter was a member. The service will be performed by a dear family friend, Rev. Stuart Houston. The family is gathered at the home of Boyce and Debbie Williams. Thank you to them for allowing the family to use their home during this time of mourning. Flowers will be accepted at Mountain View Funeral Home or donations can be made in Dexter’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity near to Dexter’s heart. To Dexter, we will always carry your memory in our hearts and in the things you taught us. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Atkins family.

Raymond "Dexter" Atkins

February 7, 1949 - February 1, 2023