Paul Edward Atkins

Paul Edward Atkins, age 84, of Paris, TN and longtime Cottage Grove resident,  died Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.

Paul was a life-long farmer in the Cottage Grove community.  He also retired from the Tennessee Department of Transportation after 15 years of service.  He was a member of East Wood Church of Christ, and long-time member of Cottage Grove Church of Christ.  Paul was fondly known for his sense of humor in all situations.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and attending his grandchildren’s ballgames.

Paul was born July 25, 1932, in Palmersville, TN, to the late John Thomas Atkins and the late Wilma Lee Simmons Atkins.

He was married on July 24, 1960, to Betty Johnson Atkins, who survives, of Paris, TN.  Along with his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Alicia (Anthony) Dickson of Paris, TN; two sons, Jeff (Teri Lynn) Atkins of Paris, TN, and Craig (Michele) Atkins of Paris, TN; six grandchildren, Claire Dickson, John Thomas Atkins, Emma Kate Atkins, Pierce Atkins, Perry Atkins, and Paul D. Atkins.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, William Atkins; and one grandchild, Trent Dickson.

Arrangements are be handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  Visitation will be Friday April 7, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Saturday April 8, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 am.  The funeral service will be Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11:00 am at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with David Alan Jackson officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Thomas Atkins, Jimmy Atkins, David Atkins, Pierce Atkins, Perry Atkins, Paul D. Atkins, and Jay Johnson.

Burial will follow in Walker Cemetery.