Billy Atchison (July 15, 1940-December 27, 2018). Billy, a member of Satsuma High School's first graduating class of 1958, grew up in Satsuma and returned to his hometown eleven years ago when he built his dream home on the banks of Gunnison Creek. Previously, he was a longtime resident of Saraland.
After obtaining his diploma, he joined the Navy for six years. In 1962, he was on board the USS Enterprise at the Bay of Pigs conflict that lasted thirteen days. After his honorable discharge, he worked thirty-four years at Scott Paper, most of which was in maintenance.
Billy is remembered as a man who loved Alabama football and yearly purchased season tickets, made the best sweet potato pie ever, faithfully attended the symphony, and created a beautiful garden with his well-known "green thumb." He is also noted for his devotion to his wife, whom he lovingly called Ebb.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William Atchison and Ruby Cave Atchison, his brother Thomas Atchison, and his twin sister Jacque Jasik.
Billy is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Vereda (also known as Evelyn), his son Russell Atchison, his daughter Andrea Lord (Gene), his grandchildren, Michael Williamson (Kristyn) and Adrienne Williamson, his great-grandchild Sophia Williamson, his sister Mary Atchison, a special sister-in-law Lulaine Perrotta, and many other family members.
Noted for his direct manner, Billy Atchison is proof of Alexander Pope's line: "An honest man's the noblest work of God." There will never be anyone else like this man of six feet, two inches who pulled himself out of poverty and created a good life for his family.
Funeral services for Mr. Atchison will be held Friday, January 4, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. from the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home-Saraland, 1200 Industrial Pkwy. Saraland, Alabama. The family will be accepting friends at the funeral home from 10:30 A.M. Friday until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Billy's favorite charity, The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (www.cartercenter.org).
