Ronald Archie Atkins

Ron was born in Galveston and grew up in Texas City. He attended college in New Mexico, where he participated in gymnastics (his favorite being the rings). Having way too much fun in college, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and returned to Texas City where he worked various jobs, including the family upholstery business and welding. Ron eventually began his professional career with Monsanto/Sterling Chemicals as an Analytic Leader. He remained in the Galveston Area living a life of adventure through his many travels, especially enjoying motorcycles, racing cars, sailing, windsurfing, snow skiing and diving. An avid Jimmy Buffett fan, his dream was to live on a houseboat in the Florida Keys, but his dedication to his two girls, Christy and Chere’, kept him close to the area, often playing guitar for them while singing his two favorites – “House of the Rising Sun” and “Take It Easy.” In the 80’s, he built a home on Tiki Island where he spent his spare time fishing and sailing the “Dorothy J” (named after his mom). He met the love of his life, Irma, and their marriage in 2001 was the beginning of their 20 year romance. While he wasn’t normally a dancer, you would be sure to see him dragging Irma out onto the dance floor whenever “Play that Funky Music” came on. He had the great fortune to live a life of retirement in his later years in which he enjoyed gardening and began, but didn’t often finish, a multitude of projects. His “Papa Jokes” would make your eyes roll as you giggled at the Irish spark in his mischievous, green eyes.

Ron is survived and deeply missed by his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Irma Atkins; his 2 girls, Christy Foster (Danny) and Chere’ Atkins; his 3 step-children, Terry Valdez (Lisa), Alice Munoz and DJ Valdez; grandchildren, Brittany, Christopher, Colton, Zachary, Katie, Sebastian, Ayanna, Damyen, Amber and Terry Jr; and his sister, Cynthia Atkins. Predeceased by his grandmother, Lula Frances Harris; his mother, Dorothy Reading; his father, Archie Atkins; and his brother, Doug Atkins.

At this time, the family does not plan to have services. After cremation, there will be a private family celebration of his life filled with Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, and Jimmy Buffett songs while sipping tequila and eating Key Lime pie.