Charles Lee Atkinson Jr.

Charles Lee Atkinson, Jr, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 23, 2021 while at his residence in New Bern, NC. The Middle Child of Charles Lee Atkinson, Sr and Ruth Hardison Atkinson, Lee was born on November 8, 1934, in New Bern, NC. Lee was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, as well as a cherished friend to many in his community.

One of Lee’s many passions in life was football. He played running back for New Bern Senior High School, and his football passion was briefly interrupted by his service to our nation for 2 years in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, he continued to follow his passion and obtained a football scholarship to play running back at East Carolina University during the 1950’s. He loved talking football and reliving his best games. While at East Carolina, Lee met his wife of 60+ years, Jane Crofton Atkinson; she was the head cheerleader. While playing football, Lee was also dedicated to his education and obtained his Master’s degree in Physical Education from East Carolina. After graduation, he coached and taught in Williamston, NC for several years before obtaining a job with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Lee served with honor for over 25 years, retiring to pursue one of his other passions, training Labrador Retrievers. His legacy lives on in many generations of puppies and working dogs.

Lee was an avid outdoorsman who loved wing shooting, but he loved waterfowl hunting most. He also loved introducing young children to waterfowl hunting and truly loved spending cold mornings and evenings in a duck blind mentoring them about the joys of God’s creations and being one with nature. If you ever had the pleasure of sharing a blind with him, you were truly blessed.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jane Crofton Atkinson, his son Charles (Chuck) Lee Atkinson, III, daughter Jane Atkinson Peele, granddaughter Carlee Peele; grandson William Lee Atkinson, his sister Ruth Waters and brother Bill Atkinson; nieces RuthAnn Pinkman and husband John, Beth Foley and husband Mike, Cristi Moore and husband Joe, CeCe Smithwick and husband Rudy as well as many great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home, New Bern, NC on Thursday 29 July from 4 to 6 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church in New Bern, NC on Friday 30 July at 10am.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to 3HC hospice care: 2402 Wayne Memorial Dr. Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Atkinson family. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the Atkinson family.