Lawrence Gipson Atkins

Lawrence Gipson Atkins, age 96, of Camden, TN passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Camden Healthcare and Rehab. Mr. Atkins was born June 2, 1927 in Corinth, MS to the late Eugene Atkins and the late Kate Hardin Atkins. Mr. Atkins was also preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn Grace Cruse Atkins; brother, Howard Atkins; brother, Edwin Atkins; sister, Eugenia Winner; and nephew, John Cooper.    

After joining the U.S. Navy at age 17 Mr. Atkins served in the Pacific Theater during WWII.  He then attended college on the G.I. Bill and graduated from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.  Following college he moved to Camden, TN and began employment with TVA in New Johnsonville, from which he retired as an engineer after 38 years.  He earned his M.B.A. from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, and he was also formerly employed as a salesman for Allstate Insurance. 

Mr. Atkins formerly served as a member of the Benton County Board of Commissioners and was also a member of the Benton County Airport Board.  He was the pressbox announcer for the Camden Lions football team for several years and was instrumental in fundraising for and helping to form the Camden Quarterback Club.  He was a lifelong supporter of all Camden sports and could be frequently seen at baseball, basketball or football games.  While serving as President of the Camden Band Boosters he spearheaded a fundraising effort to purchase new band uniforms.  His other hobbies included quail hunting, flying both model airplanes and his own private plane and collecting and refurbishing antiques, particularly antique clocks and radios.  A former golfer, Mr. Atkins was a charter member of the Magic Valley Golf Club, a former member of Camden Lions Club, a member of Camden First United Methodist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the TVA Retirees Association, a 32^nd degree Mason and a member of Camden Lodge 179.  He dearly loved music and he and his wife enjoyed singing at many community events throughout the years as well as singing together in their church choir. 

Survived by:

Daughters: Karen (Timothy) Anderson of Huntsville, AL

                   Jennifer (Brent) Hedge of Camden, TN

Sister: Sarah Cooper of Pensacola, FL

Grandchildren: Lauren (Zach) Skinner of Spanish Fort, AL

                         Amanda Anderson of Madison, AL

                         Allison (Patrick) Toomey of Hoover, AL

                         Sam (Bayli) Hedge of Camden, TN

Nieces and Nephews:  Anne Patin, Linda Beville, Nancy Atkins, Stephanie Stanley, Darryl Gray, Lisa Bradshaw, Gene Cooper, Lana Foster and Debbie Cash. 

Visitation with the family will be on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 PM and again on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 11:00-12 Noon at Camden First United Methodist Church.  All visitation and service to be held at the church. 

Masonic Services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 6 PM at Camden First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 12 Noon at Camden First United Methodist Church with Rev. Adam Kelchner officiating.  Burial will follow with military honors at Camden City Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Camden, TN or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN, Camden Distribution Center.