It is with great sadness that the family of William ("Bill") Harrison Atkinson, Jr. of Poca, announce his passing after a brief illness at the age of 75. After one final prayer, he passed away peacefully on May 11, 2017, with family by his side.

Bill was born in St. Albans on October 6, 1941, the son of the late W. H. Atkinson and Ethel McNeely Atkinson. He attended St. Albans High School and retired from FMC Corporation after 34 years of service. Bill faithfully attended Tabernacle of Praise. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, sports, music, and antique car shows. Bill loved the Mountaineers and was the Poca Dots' No. 1 fan. He was a member of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR).

Bill married his loving wife of 53 years, Dottie L. Atkinson, on August 22, 1963. They shared a love and friendship you long for your entire life. God blessed these two lovely people with many memories they cherished. A day never passed that he did not show the depth of his love for her from a kiss goodbye, telling her how nice she looked, making her coffee or just sitting on the porch on a summer day and reminiscing.

Bill and Dottie were blessed with three daughters Annette, Kimberly and Beverly with which he shared a close relationship. He was so proud of each of his daughters and their accomplishments. They were later blessed with a granddaughter Taylor Morris and grandsons Ryan Morris and Skyler Sigman. He never missed a dance recital, baseball game, basketball game, school function or any of their activities. He looked forward to the days Taylor and Madison would come to the house. Ryan was more than a grandson. He was like the son Bill never had. He and Ryan spent countless hours together outdoors, working on cars and their favorite time of year together was hunting season. He loved to watch Skyler play basketball. He was a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. He taught them many life lessons and the "Bill Way" of doing things.

On March 8, 2012, his heart was filled with joy and love when his great granddaughter and "best friend", Madison Laine Ferrari, was born. The love he had for his little angel was undeniable. He adored her and his eyes lit up every single time he saw her. They were inseparable. If you knew Bill, you knew everything about Madison.

He had a heart of gold and will be remembered by his contagious smile, selfless nature, sense of humor, and his unconditional love for his family and friends. We were so fortunate to have this amazing man as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bill was one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. He never knew a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his father, W.H. Atkinson; mother Ethel McNeely Atkinson; brothers, Kenneth Atkinson, Melvin Atkinson, and Ralph Atkinson; and sisters, Rosalee Reed and June Atkinson.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dottie Atkinson of Poca; daughters, Annette (Philip) Morris of Poca, Kimberly (DJ) Sigman of Ripley, Beverly (Nestor Dans) Atkinson of Washington Township, MI; grandchildren, Taylor and Ryan Morris of Poca, and Skyler Sigman of Ripley; great-granddaughter, Madison Ferrari of Poca; and brother, Larry (Marcella) Atkinson of Lawrenceville, GA, and sister-in-law, Charlotte Atkinson of Ravenswood.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Tabernacle of Praise, 5230 Big Tyler Mountain Road, Cross Lanes. The funeral will follow with the Pastor Bill Huddleston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Bill Atkinson and in honor of his daughter, Kimberly Sigman. Donations may be mailed to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or made online at cancer.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.