Pastor Elbert Burton, “E.B” Atkins, Jr., age 84 of Archdale, NC went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 23, 2014.
He was born August 1, 1930 to Elbert and Rita Mae Patterson Atkins, Sr. of Lee County, NC. Pastor E.B. retired from Wagner Woodcraft in Archdale. He was the pastor of New Life Worship Center and former pastor of Bread of Life Ministries. A gifted musician and woodcrafter, he was known for making and playing his own handcrafted guitars. If asked, he would say his greatest joys were his family and leading people to the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dewey and Wayne Atkins and one sister Maxine Tucker.
Pastor E.B. is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Christine Flowers Atkins of the home, a daughter, Barbara Atkins Cox of Archdale and a son, David Lee Atkins and wife Trish of Archdale. In addition there are 2 granddaughters, Ashlee Atkins Long and husband Jeff of Thomasville and Shana Cox Atkins and husband Scott of Thomasville; 3 grandsons, K. Clay Cox of Wallburg, SSgt Bret M. Cox USAF and wife Jessica of Georgia and Matthew Atkins of High Point, 2 step-granddaughters, Ivie Cook and husband Brian of Greensboro and Kathryn Walker of Archdale and 7 great-grandchildren, Caleb and Trevor Long, Chandler, Averee and Cabot Atkins, and Matthew and Ethan Cox. He is also survived by two brothers, Lewis Atkins and wife Marie of Sanford, NC and Charles Atkins and wife Barbara of Whiteville, NC and one sister-in-law Audrey Atkins of Trinity NC.
A celebration of E.B.’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Harvest World Outreach Church, 4915 Guilford College Rd., Greensboro NC 27407 with Pastors Mike Sirianni, Cole Younger, Craig Beard, Steve Hirst and K. Clay Cox officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until the time of the service at Harvest World Outreach Church.
The Atkins family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Piedmont and caregiver Larry aka ‘Raymond’ Sessoms for their care and assistance.
Memorial contributions in E.B.’s memory may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.
Online condolences can be made to Pastor Atkins’ memorial page at www.ThomasvilleFh.com. Thomasville Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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