Name: Elisha White Atkinson, Sr
Birth: 24 Oct 1928
Death: 17 Dec 2012
E. W. Atkinson, 84, died December 17, 2012 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He lived a life that glorified the Lord with great joy. He was born in Pickens, MS on Oct. 24, 1928 to Edward Atkinson and Bessie Burton Atkinson and was the youngest of nine children. He grew up in Pickens and moved to Memphis in 1947.
He came to Memphis to work with his brother, George, who was like a father to him after their father died. Together, they built their cotton business which was blessed as it maintained an impeccable reputation. He was fourth generation in the cotton business and this was his sole job for his entire life.
He and his pride and joy, Betty Gene Orr, married in Como, Mississippi on Feb. 11, 1955. They lived in Memphis their entire lives and were loved by many people from all walks of life. He was a devoted, outstanding husband and father in ways too numerous to mention.
He leaves behind his son, E. W. Atkinson, Jr. (Ginny) and daughter, Miriam Atkinson Smith (Bob), and five grandchildren: Elisha White Atkinson, Sarah Atkinson Ball (Erik), Ann Starr Atkinson, Elizabeth Atkinson Smith, and MiriamWardlaw Smith.
His passion for life ranged from Ole Miss football, his grandchildren, to fishing on the lake in Como, to gardening, to sharing his legendary tales of Mississippi lore. His good friends named him: "Tomato Man" because he loved to get the best tomatoes from Oxford, MS and share them with family and many friends. He also had a passion for cooking everything from smoked turkeys to salmon, etc.
E. W. had a generous heart and he loved doing things for others which he saw as the Lord's work. He was active at Independent Presbyterian Church; he helped found the John Bramlett Ministries; he was on the Board of the Memphis Union Mission. Clearly, he was a man who put his faith into action.
The visitation will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 20th at Independent Presbyterian Church with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. The burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Como, Mississippi.
Information from Canale Funeral Directors.
