When George was four years old, he was given an extra special present for his birthday. That year he received his younger sister, Shirley. They are four years apart to the day. William and Nancy had one younger child, Jimmy, who was stillborn.
George had an intense love for animals, especially horses and dogs, and dreamed of being a veterinarian. He also broke and trained his own horses. The local vet saw his talent and took him along on calls. He did not pursue his dream to go away to veterinary school, but remained home to farm cotton and help his father with their dairy. George continued to care to the needs of his own livestock. Many occasions he intervened to help a mother cow give birth, both saving the life of the mother and calf. There was no fear of mouth to snout CPR. He farmed cotton, alfalfa, and raised cattle and other livestock throughout the years.
George loved music and singing. Choir was a school favorite and he was proud of his extended vocal range. Country music favorites were Waylon, Willie, Loretta, Dolly and Hank. He would be heard singing along with anything playing on the radio.
Shirley introduced George to her good friend and co-worker, Dorothy Pinner in 1960. George and Dorothy were married on September 16, 1961. He and Dorothy spent 61 years together. George and Dorothy welcomed their eldest daughter Joanne Marie on November 5, 1962. Their second daughter, Jennifer Lee, was born on August 6, 1968.
Until his recent hospitalization, George resided with Dorothy and their cat, Simie, on the same acreage where he and Shirley grew up.
He was a lifelong farmer, worked as a certified welder for Valley Foundry then as a hod carrier for his father-in-law who owned C.W. & E. Pinner Masonry, John Ladd Masonry, and eventually Bob Smith Masonry. George had a knack for building things and often made his own farm equipment.
He told his daughters they could achieve anything they set their minds to and “Can’t never tried” was his mantra.
He was a member of the Local Laborer’s Union #294 for over 50 years. George enjoyed RV trips, hunting, fishing and the occasional excursion to Las Vegas, Reno or Tahoe. His grandson and great grandchildren were his pride and joy.
George is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughters Joanne Atkisson and Jennifer Butler, sons in law, Carey Atkisson and Bruce K. Butler, Jr., Grandson David Christopher Graham, his wife, Joletta and great grandsons Dakota, Logan and Owen Graham, great granddaughter Cheyenne Graham, and sister Shirley Sullivan.
Graveside Services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Washington Colony Cemetery, 7318 S Elm Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706, with open house reception immediately following at Jennifer’s home located at 7249 N. Cecelia Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722.
Donations may be sent to Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch, or a local animal rescue in George’s name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Atkinson family.
