Name: Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service
Address: Wilmington, NC

Robert was Robert that the best way to describe him know one like him.Imiss him very much every day .Love you brother

Robert was my rock, without him I don't think I would ever have made it though the military.  He wrote to me all the time (there was always a “stick figure” somewhere in every letter).  He sent me a pet rock, stuffed animals and anything that would make me smile.
The thing I loved most about Robert was that he worshipped the ground my mother walked on, as she did him.
I love and miss you Robert, you will always be in my heart.
Teresa Nordan, daughter

Monday, June 23, 2014 
Some of my fondest memories of Robert are watching him and Sid sitting under the tree discussing their childhood and young adult days. I often told Robert that his salvation is one of the greatest miracles.

I love and miss you 
Joann Wroten

In my early years, my Grandfather, Robert Atkinson, seemed Godly as he towered above me offering infinite wisdom. Not much of that would change in the following years of my life. I couldn't ask for a better role model; someone that is the epitome of what a loving, honest, family-man can be. His sense of humor and ability to make friends are luxuries a rich man can't buy. I am especially thankful to have Robert Atkinson as such a significant influence in my life.

Daughter, Lisa

I believe there are a lot of things in life that a person has control of or influence over, but as life would have it, family is not one of them. And for that, I'm glad. I do not believe if I had the chance to choose who my mother would spend the better part of her life with; I would never have found a greater person than Robert Atkinson. He became a part of our family and looked after us girls as if we were his own. (However I am sure he had never expected to have to give up his bathroom rights, but even that would seem ok with him). 
I am fortunate to have my birth father in my life, but he lives far away. A daughter would have struggled with that kind of separation, but when Robert came into our lives, even my dad knew that we girls would be looked after. No one would ever have protected and guided us the way he did. 
Robert was such an influential part of my life that I will forever be blessed for having him as my step-dad. I knew that no matter what time of day or night, or if it was pouring rain or even snowing, if I needed help, he would be there.  He gave me a sense of knowing that he would always be there for me, and he was. 
From high-school graduation to my first job, from my wedding day to the birth of my children, he was by my side. He rejoiced in my good times, and held me in his arms during the bad times. He was forever present in the raising of my children... There is not a treasured moment in my life that he was not with me. He encouraged me in a way that it taught me to never give up.  He taught me to never be judgmental of others, and to be grateful, and to enjoy family time together. But above all, he taught me to remain calm during those times of despair, because he knew that everything would work its way out and we would be okay. 
Robert had a humorous side as well. He helped put smiles on our faces even when we had been crying only minutes earlier. I loved him for that. 
He always let us know how much he loved us…and how very much he loved my mother. Not a day would go by that he didn't tell her how much he loved her, and how beautiful he thought she was. I knew that was a special love, and that it would only grow every day for the rest of their lives. 

I thank you Lord, for Robert

Love and miss you, but I know you're up there looking down on us with your smile.

Love and miss you so much, you Wonderful Man.  Love to family, I will see you soon.

Granddaughter, Lauren

There are two dates on a tombstone but all that's going to matter really is the “dash” that's in between because that's when granddaddy was busy living his life. 
My granddaddy held a special place in my heart. There wasn't a time that he didn't put a smile on my face, and he could always make me laugh. He never wanted anyone to worry about anything. He would tell me to pray about it. My granddaddy took care of everything for me. When he gave me advice, it always changed the way I viewed difficulties. He was the life of the party and never met a stranger. Whenever he would go out with us, he always made my friends laugh at his jokes. 
But the most important thing my granddaddy did for me was to lead me to my relationship with Christ. That is something that will affect me for the rest of my life. 
Words cannot express the impact my granddaddy had on my life…………………………..

Lauren's Life Verse
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. 
Matthew 6:34

Since the day my mother brought me home from the hospital I have felt comfort and peace in my Granddaddy's arms.
   
His sense of humor and sweet jokes were shown until his final night here in his earthly home.  He could make someone he had never met feel like they were part of the family.  He was the kindest and strongest man I have ever known.  His jokes warmed my heart and his hugs put me in a sweet tranquil place that brought happiness into my body from my head down to my toes. He could fix anything and loved helping others.  He had the heart of a lion.  He never thought negatively.  He was always optimistic and making sure everyone in the family was happy and taken care of. His personality was one of a kind and his love of chocolate was known to all. 

I believe his humor and love for chocolate rubbed off on me.   
 ?   
One of the things I miss on a daily basis is calling my grandparents house and having him pick up.  He'd say “Hello?”  And as excited as I was just to hear his voice I'd say “Hey Granddaddy!”  He'd then reply “Hello Granddaughter”.  And he'd say that every time I'd call him Granddaddy.  He gave me memories that make every day of my life a blessing.  I'll never forget Christmas with my Granddaddy.  He'd wrap me up in wrapping paper and put a bow on my head.  He always knew how to make me laugh. He forgave me for all my mistakes and taught me to laugh and smile through even the toughest of times.  My Granddaddy never stopped believing in me.

He helped my mother through the absolute hardest time of her life and made my Grandmother the happiest woman on the planet.  I've never seen love like he shared with my Grandmother.  I pray that one day I am blessed with a man who can make me as happy and love me the way he loved my Grandmother.  She was his everything.   I've never in my life seen a man respect a woman the way he respected and cared for my Grandmother. 
 I miss his voice, his hugs and his jokes.  I admired his outlook on life and I'm honored to have had him as my Granddaddy.  I know my Granddaddy entered heaven peacefully and that one day we will be reunited again.  He was there for me when I entered this world and he'll be waiting for me when it's time to jump right back in his arms again.  I couldn't have asked for a better Granddaddy.  He taught me how to be the most caring, kind hearted, well mannered, friendly and humorous person I could ever be.   You will always be in my heart and mind Granddaddy.  You influenced me more than you will ever know.  I don't know where my family would be without your guidance, kindest and giving heart.  You are missed dearly every second of the day.  You will never be forgotten.  We all know you are in a better place where we will all one day be together again.  You were a man of wisdom, strength, humor and most importantly a man of God.  Rest in peace my Angel.  You were more than just a Granddaddy.  You were the best things that could have ever happened to our family.  I love you. 
Lexi

My Daddy Robert

Not a day goes by that I don't remember Robert and smile.  He was a blessing to me in so many ways that I can't begin to explain.  The one thing I remember even more than the laughs and jokes is the love. Robert‘s love was the purest I have ever known.  

When I first met him, it was no secret; I would not allow myself to like him because I thought he was replacing my father. Well, he didn't replace my father, he didn't even try. Instead he became my Daddy Robert and loved me unconditionally. He welcomed me into his home because he had an extra room, a whole lot of patience and even more love to share.  (And the Lord knows I needed them all.)  
And for those of you that didn't know, my Daddy Robert opened his home to me before he and my mom even shared a home. That's the kind of man he was.   

Daddy Robert was the first man to hold either of my sons. I will always remember not only the love that was in his eyes when he cradled each one in his arms on the day they were born but the feeling of love that rolled off of him in waves. It literally filled the room.  

I can't even begin to thank Mom and Daddy Robert for what they did for my family when I moved away.  But I will say it again—THANK YOU BOTH.  
I do remember that when I wanted to come home but couldn't because my car was broke down, Daddy Robert got in his big ole black truck, drove to where I was, loaded me and my belongings into the truck and my car on a trailer and brought me home. He never judged me, he never questioned me. He just opened his arms and his home once again and made me remember that I was loved.    

More than anything, I want to thank him.  Thank him for always bringing me out of the dark and seeing me when no one else could.

I was asked a few months ago what part of the family I was from.  “Sue's” or “Roberts” …… my response was “Both.  We are a family.”  

His Daughter
Chrisie

32 years ago Robert and Sue moved behind us and have been the best neighbors we could ever ask for.  When David passed away in 2012, Robert took me under his wings and checked on my every day of his life.  I will miss him so much as he was the best friend a person could ever ask for.  
God needed a perfect Angel and he choose Robert.  Rest in peace my friend.  I'll meet you in heaven one day.
Shelby

I can't remember life without Robert in it.  The day we stuck our fingers in a biscuit to make a hole to pour molasses in it, our bicycle days, our BB gun days.  Robert went into the Navy and I joined the Army.  We were separated a few years but got back together during our car days at Timme Corp.  Robert then went to work for the railroad and I went to work for Ideal Cement which separated us for 21 years.    We lived across the street from each other for eight years.  We talked about old times a lot.  I see his hard work throughout my house.  We'll be together one day forever.
Thanks for the memories.

What do you say about an amazing man that has been a little of everything I have ever needed?  A father figure, a  friend.  Someone that could carry on a joke with me for years, while he and I would laugh to ourselves while others would start to believe it to be true! 
Since I was a young girl, Robert has been a solid constant in my life.  Always there for me even when I just showed up…  to listen intently and never judge but just to give me great advise and crack a joke.
We planned so many jokes at all the family reunions.  Like when I put a pair of underwear in the donation pot or the time we had all the distant relatives thinking he was my “Pimp”.
He never turned his back on anyone and the love he showed to his family is the kind of love most of us dream of.
Not a day goes by that I can't hear him teasing me abut something or feel him guiding me through a difficult time.
All I can say is Robert is truly one of a kind, and I am blessed to have had him in my life and I will forever treasure every memory!  I love you Robert!!!  And, oh my gosh, the way he could dance even with those long legs.  He was the only man that I know that tall could jog all the way to the floor and make it back up with ease!!  I still can't do it….
Tabbi

Remembering my brother – Robert Atkinson. 

We all have fond and distinctive memories of our siblings.  My memories of Robert are all extremely happy, full of fun and mischief.  
From my earliest years, Robert was more than just an older brother.  In my formative years (8, 9, 10 years of age), he became larger than life and a hero just because of his attitude and fun loving ways.   Even though we all were poor and in rural areas, when he came for a weekend visit – I always remember this tall lanky – red-headed teenager walking down the dirt driveway – with a big smile on his face. Behind the smile was a hint of mischief (as I learned as I grew older, it was just his nature).  We (Robert, Frank and I) always seemed to have an enormous amount of fun and mischief during his short weekend stays and at longer stays with our grandmother Carter. 
I do not remember how he got there or how he left – but sometimes my mother (and occasionally) my father – would drive Robert back to his father in Hampstead, NC.  I do remember (maybe when I was 8 or 9) that around that age I realized that Robert and I had different fathers when I met his father!  Up until that time – I just thought he came, we played, and he left, and was never sure why my brother left.  
I also remember my first visit to Robert's home with his father, Emerson.  I realized Robert's father was a nice guy and accepted me, and loved his sons Robert and Frank.  Emerson knew a lot about fishing and oysters, and the water. 
As we grew older, Robert did in fact become my childhood hero (along with my father), and Robert stimulated my interest in life in many ways.   It was rooted in Roberts love for life and his love for fun and mischief.  In the 1950'S we wanted to indulge in the fun of Elvis Presley, movies, cars, dancing (a rarity in my Southern Baptist home), and alcohol was a real mystery.  During my age of 9-12, Robert (age14-18) became a true leader in fun and mischief.  The way he dressed, the way he walked, and the way he smiled all spelled FUN!   And fun we had; (Robert, Frank, and I) – especially when we all converged on our grandmother's home at Watha Cross Roads, NC for summer jobs and fun with all the Carter-Atkinson cousins!    
On his graduation day from High School – I remember him very vividly at Topsail High School, NC – being almost the tallest guy there and the one having the most fun.  NOTE: Six years later – my graduation class from NHHS – would have 1,000 in the graduating class! His class at Topsail High School – barely had 20 people. So, Robert seemed to be the leader to me during that process.  
From those moments onward, I made up my mind that I would watch Robert and see what he would do with his life and model my life after his – if I could.  
One year later, he joined the Navy during a time most do not remember – the Cuban missile crisis.  Nevertheless the first time I saw him in uniform my life in the military was set (at the age of 13), but I didn't realize it.  The 1960's where chaotic in our US History due to strained relations with Russia.   To me, Robert seemed to be in the thick of it all – at least in my 13 year old mind.  It didn't matter if he was or wasn't the impression on me was – Robert was there in the Navy – serving his country.  My father always told me that it was a special thing to be an American and to serve America in the military.  I did not know the nexus of my father hero and Robert as a hero – coming together at those moments until years later during the Vietnam war ( my time to serve).  
As I grew, it seemed to me that Robert was always there in thought and person. When he left the Navy – I remember him going to work at the Atlantic Coast Line in Wilmington, NC, where my father worked!  How important it was for my father and my hero brother to work at the same place at the same time.  I thought we owned the railroad!  Later on, in High School, I learned the reality of our positions in the railroad.  But Robert, I knew was out there – making sure the trains where on time! 
When I left home, early in my life – age 16; Robert was there.  He helped me survive in many ways.  He would give me rides (although these are stories within themselves) to different places.  He would rescue me from despair by just coming to pick me up with his cousin Sidney, and of course – exposing me to more fun, mischief, and what can be described as danger. Little did I know that these episodes of fun, mischief, and bravery would come together as important assets in flying airplanes for the US Navy when I joined, and went off to wars and conflict.  Robert's teachings (even though he didn't know he was doing it), paid off for me in survival of conflict, and war. 
Few of us understand when we are young what shapes our personality, but for sure those we grow up with shape it directly. I point to Robert, along with my father, mother and Frank as shaping who I was and who I am. I could not have lasted through 30 years, 4,400 combat flight hours of US Navy without the instillation of fun, mischief- and respect for life, country and family. Robert showed me these attributes without even trying or saying it. His strength in light of his own surroundings of his early years gave me a tremendous respect for those that have less but strive to work themselves out of it into a better life.  His success in life is a model not just for me – but, for all. He never complained to me or when I was around about anything.  However, he did teach me through his actions – to solve problems, and move forward.   I am absolutely positive that I succeeded in the US Navy and afterwards and became a leader myself – because of Robert's quite but steady ways of moving forward with fun, mischief and respect for all. He solved problems, learned, and moved forward.  
Even in his adult years with a family, he showed respect and commitment to them no matter what was going on with them or him.  He never showed anger towards any part of his family only a quite steady patience.  In fact, I cannot ever remember Robert being mad or angry.     
The men and women that I led in the US Navy tell me I have a unique love for fun, mischief and respect that is uncommon.  I got that training on the job as a kid with Robert Atkinson.   His family and friends know he is loyal to the core and committed to all he meets and loves.  Even as he has moved on to the afterlife he has impact on all of us that we are just now realizing. 

Ike Puzon
16 May 2014

     Sue, Jo and I were so sorry to hear of Roberts passing. I spent many a day at work with Robert and considered him a good friend and co-worker.  We are here for only a short time and Robert was one that made good use of his time.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
              Your friends  Joe & Jo Griffin

OBITUARY

Robert Emerson Atkinson

15 February, 1943 – 28 March, 2014

Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service

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