Jarrell Edmond Atkinson

Jarrell was born June 28th, 1927, in Greenbriar, Arkansas, to Elmer and Iva Atkinson. He spent his youth in the beautiful countryside as the son of a sharecropper, learning to care for dairy cows and picking cotton. He lived through the Great Depression in Arkansas until he moved to Florida after marrying the love of his life, Euphemia (Walters) in 1948. Jarrell proudly served his country in the United States Army, much of it stationed in the blustery cold of Alaska.

Following his time in the Army, Jarrell worked as a dairy farmer until landing a job at Land O’ Sun Dairy, and later held the position of steam and refrigeration manager at Tropicana until his retirement.

After retiring, Jarrell enjoyed his “hobby” of buying, repairing, and re-selling used lawnmowers in his barn. He could fix virtually anything, and loved riding on the tractor mowing his pasture.

Jarrell was an avid gardener, and could grow large crops of okra, which he often shared with family and friends. And, oh, how he loved fixing a big country breakfast every Sunday; the highlight was a big skillet of his famous chocolate gravy for your biscuits!

He was a gentle giant, quiet and unassuming, who never uttered a complaint or an unkind word. Jarrell loved the Lord and prayed fervently. He was a faithful member of Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle for 65 years, serving as Trustee, Senior Elder, and faithful usher with the biggest smile and warmest hugs for everyone who entered.

Jarrell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Euphemia. He is survived by his daughter, Marisa Hemminger, one granddaughter, Jennifer Hemminger, one grandson, Gregory (Nikki) Hemminger, and two great-granddaughters, Zoey Fielder and Isabella Colaiocco, as well as many nieces and nephews across the country.

Anyone who was blessed to know Jarrell Atkinson will tell you he was one-of-a-kind; there will never be a kinder, more decent and hardworking man than he. Jarrell left an indelible mark on all who met him and will never be forgotten.