Richard Mason Atkins

Richard Mason Atkins -- loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother --passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24th, 2023, at the age of 88.

Richard was born on October 22, 1934, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. After graduating in 1953 from Smithfield High School, Richard began working at Newport News Shipbuilding, before joining the US Air Force in 1957. After serving in the US Air force for four years, he returned to Newport News Shipbuilding as a welder. Richard retired as a Welding Supervisor after 46 years of service.

Richard was happiest when he was with his family no matter what the occasion. He loved taking vacations and celebrating holidays with them. Richard was an avid golfer. He was a member of Cypress Cove Country Club, Isle of Wight Golf Association, Peninsula Pinehurst Golf Association, Suffolk Golf Association, and South of the James Association. Richard was a lover of the outdoors. He loved to fish and gather with friends to eat salt herring. His other interests were quail hunting and gardening. Most of all, Richard loved sitting in his recliner watching the Washington Commanders and the wildlife -- especially the deer right outside his window.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son Donald Horne (Lou), daughter Robin Trussell (Rick), and son Ken Shumaker (Ann). Richard is survived by five grandchildren: Scott Horne (Megan), Kelly Jones (Tim), Sherri Medlin (Tim), Catherine Sites (David), and Shane Shumaker, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Lahna Horne, Shepard Horne, William Jones, Connor Jones, Tenley Medlin, Parker Medlin, and Rhenae Sites.

Richard is also survived by a sister Ellen Holland, sister-in-law Janet Atkins, two brothers Jess Atkins (Raye) and Oliver Atkins (Judy), and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Brown Atkins, his parents Oliver Atkins and Florie Bell Atkins, his brother Dan Atkins, and his brother-in-law James Wesley Holland.

Memorial contributions can be made to: The American Cancer Society; Attention: Pam Jordan; 18214 Fairview Lane; Windsor, VA 23487 or The American Heart Association; Greater RVA Area; 4217 Park Place Court; Glen Allen, VA 23060.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at St. Luke’s Memorial Park with the Reverend Tommy Reynolds officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.