Urbane Samuel Atkinson

Rev Urbane Samuel Atkinson Sr, 85, passed away on January 13, 2024, at his home in Taylors, South Carolina, after a long period of declining health. He left this earth while doing a favorite pastime, puttering in his workshop.

Sam was born on October 4, 1938, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to George and Pauline (nee Grady) Atkinson. He met his future wife, Shirley Jean Hassell, in church when they were teenagers, and they were married in 1955. Sam attended Holmes Bible College and was a Pentecostal minister for over thirty years. He also worked at The Cline Company and at Continental Engines in Greenville, South Carolina, for many years before retiring. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, home improvement, fixing cars, and spending time with his family.

Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Jean (nee Hassell) Atkinson of Taylors, South Carolina; daughter, Debbie Nichols of Easley, South Carolina, and her two daughters and their spouses; son, Sammy Atkinson (Susie) of Houston, Texas, and their daughter and two sons and their spouses; son, Michael Atkinson (Maria) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and their son and daughter. Sam leaves a legacy of ten great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters, Jeanette Raper of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Linda Sue Acey of Richmond, Virginia, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by two sisters, Sybil Grace Atkinson and Dorothy Hassell, and by two brothers, Norwood and Douglas Atkinson.

A private viewing with his family was held on January 18, 2024, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations in Greenville, South Carolina. In accordance with Sam's wishes, there will be no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be sent to the South Carolina Autism Society, 806 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 scautism.org