William Calvin Atkinson

William “Bill” Calvin Atkinson passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012, in his home in Roswell, NM. He was 73 years old. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 9:30 am at Assumption Parish located at 2808 N. Kentucky Avenue, Roswell, NM 88201. The celebration of his life will then continue at the Elks Lodge # 969 at 11:00 am, located at 1720 N. Montana Avenue, Roswell, NM 88201. Bill was born in Weed, CA, to George Atkinson and Dorothy Cash. He was the youngest of two children. After High School he served in the United States Navy, where he earned an honorable Discharge. He met the love of his life while working in Alhambra, CA. He asked her to marry him in 1961. In 1972 he moved his family to Roswell, NM where he made a home. He began his professional career as a banker, in Alhambra, CA before working at the Farmers Insurance Agency until retiring many years later. He began as an adjustor, and climbed the ladder to become District Manager before relinquishing the role to build his own agency and spend more time at home. His joy other than friends and family included traveling and attending grandkids sporting events. He was a Life member of the Roswell Elks where he served as Exaulted Ruler, District Deputy and District Deputy Grand Exaulted Ruler. He loved his Elk Brothers and Sisters. His outgoing personality, charm wit, and humorous sarcasm, made him well known in Roswell. He was also extremely intelligent and could beat anyone at Trivial Pursuit. Bill was baptized into the Mormon Faith as a baby but chose to enter the Catholic Faith in 1995 at the pleasure of his wife, Marie. He was confirmed at Assumption Parish where he and his family were members since 1972. He is survived by his daughter, Roberta and son-in-law Jeff Hatch, a son, Tim and daughter-in-law Melissa, all of Roswell; his son, Rick and daughter-in-law Jodi of Sasebo, Japan; his daughter, Tammy and son-in-law Arthur Dayley of Eunice NM; his grandchildren are James and Jennifer Atkinson, William Atkinson, and Danielle Atkinson all of Roswell; Mark and Michelle Luman of Tyler TX; Kevin Atkinson of Midland TX; Sarah Phenning of Liverpool England; Tyler Dayley of Eunice NM; his great-grandchildren, Brent, Vance, and Mason Atkinson of Roswell and Kaitlyn, Kalli Jade and Journey Luman of Tyler, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Louise McHenry, numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, all of whom he cherished. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Atkinson and his precious wife, Marie with whom he stated often he was ready to see again. In recognition of his generous nature, random acts of kindness for family, friends and strangers are encouraged. The family joins him in expressing thanks and gratitude to all that supported him through his health battles including Dr. Chechani, and the friends too numerous to list who kept him in prayer. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories in the online register book at andersonbethany.com Cremation was under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory.

William Calvin Atkinson

June 21, 1939 - September 16, 2012