Bobby Lynn Atkins, 87, of Hamlet, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 11, 1939, in Sanford, son of the late Leonard Newton Atkins and Elsie Bonnie Hall Atkins.
Mr. Atkins graduated from Hamlet High School, attended Wingate College and then went to Tampa, Florida. He worked for Seaboard Coastline Railroad as a billing clerk until their merger, and then he returned to North Carolina. He worked with Springs Mills until they sold the two plants, and he was then offered a job in New York, Lancaster and Fort Mill, which he turned down. He began working with LOF in quality control, before retiring with the N.C. Department of Corrections.
Mr. Atkins endured many health issues relating to his spinal cord over the years, however he remained a fighter until the end. He faithfully served the Lord during his life and believed in his healing, a very testament of faith in his life. He was bold to witness to anyone and quick to pray with anyone with a need. He will be remembered for his love, dedication to his family, and faith in Jesus Christ.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Robby Atkins and Craig Douglas Atkins; and brother, Arlos Atkins.
Left to cherish Mr. Atkins’ memories are his beloved wife of 58 years, Geraldine Snead Atkins of the home; son, Randy Atkins (Lisa) of Petersburg, Tennessee; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and sister, Linda Mabe of Hamlet.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Hamlet, with the Rev. Jerry Wilkes and the Rev. Jerry Causey officiating. Burial will follow at Woodville Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery, Laurel Hill.
In his own words: “He loved to teach, especially teenagers and young adults. He taught for many years and testified of God’s goodness until he went to be with the Lord. He loved people and got saved at 23 years of age. Rest in peace, Brother Bob.”
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Atkins family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
