Ronald Atkinson, age 77, of Vernon, AL, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Northwest Medical Center in Winfield, AL.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1:00pm from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with Military Honors Graveside services and burial to follow in the Lamar Memory Gardens in Vernon, AL.  Bro. Arnold Sheets to officiate.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Pallbearers: Brian Atkinson, Isaiah Atkinson, John Silas Atkinson, Jason Ritter, Austin Patrick,

Donovan Atkinson, Wesley Hildreth, and Dustin Atkinson

Ronald was born on September 24, 1947 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late James Hugh Atkinson and the late Thelma Ruth Atkinson.  He attended schools in Blytheville, AR and later graduated from the Police Academy in the 70's.  Ronald proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 2 years and was awarded numerous medals during his honorable service such as the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Marksman Badge, Rifle, and Good Conduct Medal, June 12, 1967.  He enjoyed being outdoors any chance he could, mostly going camping and fishing and liked working in his yard. His family meant everything to him and he loved them dearly, especially his grandkids which he cherished.  His loving heart and kind spirit will always be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.  Ronald attended Freewill Chapel Church in Sulligent, AL.

Survived By:

Sons: Brian (Amber) Atkinson, Vernon, AL

Donovan Atkinson, Florence, AL

Daughters: Jennifer (Jason) Ritter, Sulligent, AL

Tiffaney (Wesley) Hildreth, New Hope, MS

Grandchildren: Dustin (Erica) Atkinson, Isaiah Atkinson,

John Silas Atkinson, Mary Brooke Atkinson,

Arleigh (Austin) Patrick, Ansley Jo Ritter, Isabella Atkinson,

Wyatt Hildreth, Chance Hildreth, Greydon Hildreth

Great Grandchild: Jessie Louise Patrick

Siblings: Alvin Atkinson, Osceola, AR

Larry Atkinson, Ft. Worth, TX

Jerry Atkinson, Steele, MO

Norma Hinton, Montpelier, VA

Teresa Tucker, Blytheville, AR

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: James and Thelma Atkinson

Wife: Peggy Atkinson

Sisters: Glenda Smith and Debra Atkinson

Brothers: Mac Atkinson, Billy Atkinson, Edward Atkinson

Granddaughters: Charley Atkinson and Palmer Atkinson

Great Granddaughter: Vanessa Atkinson

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing