Sam Ellis Atkins

Sam Ellis Atkins, 97, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2019, at his residence at Traceway Manor Retirement Community. A native and life-long resident of Lee County, he was born in Shannon, January 26, 1922, to Murrell Bowden and Charlie Estes Atkins. In 1939, he graduated as valedictorian from Shannon High School. On May 8, 1949, he married Anna Bell Morgan and they shared 67 years together. Sam served as an Army Sergeant in the Headquarters Squadron of the 433rd Troop Carrier Group with the 5th Army Air Corps in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with two bronze stars for the New Guinea and Philippine Campaigns. He worked 41 years at TKE Drug Store and 19 years at JC Penny before leaving to help care for his wife. He was a Master Mason for 70 years. Sam loved working in his flower beds and spending time with his wife and family. He was a long-time active member of Harrisburg Baptist Church where he taught 4 year old Sunday school for 40 plus years, had perfect attendance in Sunday School for 63 years and in 2016 was recognized as Deacon Emeritus.

Survivors include two sons, David Atkins of Tupelo and Sammy Atkins and his wife, Nita of Tupelo; four granddaughters, Sonya Burnett and her husband, William of Saltillo, Shea Wright and her husband, Kevin of Trussville, Alabama, Beth Howe and her husband, Jonathan of Franklin, Tennessee and Keri Hatfield and her husband, Josh of Fulton; 11 great-grandchildren, Blake Burnett, Bryce Burnett, Bennett Wright, Anna Kate Wright, Ethan Howe, Parker Howe, Micah Howe, Avery Howe, Caleb Hatfield, Clay Hatfield and Addison Hatfield; niece, Diane Dobbs; and nephew, James Petty.

His wife, Anna Atkins preceded him in death on January 14, 2017.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring his life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. David Smith officiating. Graveside services will follow in Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be James Petty, Tommy Chandler, James Wildmon, Dick Guyton, Charlie Greer and Burdell Jones.

Memorials may be made to the AFA – Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10001.

The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .