Roger Dean Atkins

Roger Dean Atkins 76, of Smithfield, Virginia left his earthy home to dwell with Jesus, the Carpenter in heaven, on July 19, 2025. It’s no doubt he went by the rainbow bridge to find his beloved “Winston”, who was by his side for 19 years. Roger was born on October 21, 1948 in Ivor, Virginia. He was the son of Horace Edwin “Dee” Atkins and Thelma Jones Atkins. He spent a lot of time with Grammy, Rosa Joyner, his great grandmother and Mammy Frances Atkins, Grandaddy (Jack) Atkins, and his grandparents, Dewey and Claudine Jones,  who all taught him many new lessons and tales of old times and the value of a hardworking man caring for his family young and old. He was a plunderer and wanderer. Plundering through furniture trunks and barns and seeking tools and wood to build something. Having learned the carpenter trade from his dad and uncles he became a master carpenter and began his own business, Roger D. Atkins Contracting and Restoration. He had a natural born talent in the restoration of homes from the 1600’s and beyond. He would take down historical homes and buildings marking the planks and straightening out the hand-hewn nails to use again. You can see the works of him and his crew in Olde Town Petersburg, area Plantations, Chippokes, Gwaltney home in Smithfield, Wakefield Foundation, and so many more. His visions had no boundaries. He also enjoyed working on cars, “fast and loud”, his pulling tractor “Hee Haw” and Harley Davidson. Of all his passions his strongest and proudest are for his family. Roger married Alice in 1967. She is the love of his life, and he was hers. Together they had 2 children Horace “Evan” Atkins and Christina Atkins Showalter (husband Jeff). Roger was a grandfather to Victoria (Tori) Atkins, Layla Barnes (husband Jacob), Hannah Atkins, Clarissa Atkins, Dean Showalter, and Bryson Showalter. Growing up fun, loving and sometimes reckless with his brother Edwin Atkins (wife Betsey) and baby sister Rose Stalnaker (aka Cookie) He had numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He will live on in memories made with family, friends who called him Gran Gran, Rockin Roger, and Biggie. He loved throwing large parties at his house with music from his mama’s band, The Nashville Kitty Kats, The Atkins Boys Bluegrass Band, Hog Bear, Woziow, and his friends rock bands and you better bet he was doing what he loved while listening to those bands, dancing and boy could he dance!! Rogers stories of history and life experiences, the good times and laughter will remain living in the hearts of all who knew him. A special gratitude for his caregiver Chrisy and the Trinity hospice group. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at Tucker Swamp Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com