Obituaries
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J.D.Atkins was born this life on May 14, 1934 in Shelby County, Tennessee. Hewas the second child and first son of ten children born to the union of the late Jessie Fred Atkins and Alberta Watkins Atkins, both of whom preceded him in death. In addition to J.D.’s parents, and his one-month old infant brother, Jessie Atkins, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Lula Mary Hubbard Atkins.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 3, 2023, J.D. peacefully departed this earthly life at the home of his niece (and caretaker), joining his beloved wife Lula in life everlasting.
J.D. accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. In his formative years, he attended Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, which is now known as the Historical Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, in Memphis. Later in life, J.D. united with Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, Tennessee, under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Wilson, where he remained a member until his passing.
Growing up inMemphis, J.D.attendedMemphis City Schools culminating at Manassas High School in North Memphis. However, during his junior year at Manassas High, his father became ill, and J.D. left school in order to help provide for the family.
In 1954, J.D. was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the role as an armored tank driver. During his enlistment, J.D.began boxing, representing the US Army and winning several trophies and titles in Panama, including a light heavy weight championship. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1956 and returned home to civilian life.
Not long after his return, J.D. quickly gained employment with the Montana Steel Company. He was later employed with West Brothers Trucking, which was later acquired by Roadway Express, Inc. This was the beginning of his long career hauling freight as an over-the-road truck driver. In this capacity, he traveled all over the United States and became known by his CB handle, “Smoke Blower”. After Roadway Express acquired West Brothers Trucking, J.D. was able to enjoy shorter routes that allowed him to be home more often.
It was around this time when J.D. met and fell in love with the beautiful Lula Mary Hubbard. On January 29, 1971, J.D. and Lula united in holy matrimony. Although no biological children were born to this union, they were avid pet owners, who loved and spoiled their dogs like children.
In 1978, J.D. and Lula opened S&B Liquors package store on Brooks Rd in Memphis. While he continued to drive for Roadway, Lula managed the businesswith the help ofJ.D.’s siblings, Mickey, Christine, and Ruth.Following J.D.’s 1997 retirement from Roadway, he and Lula decided to permanently move to Oakland Tennessee. They also closedS&B Liquors having been proprietors for 19 years.
Although a “retired” trucker and business owner, J.D. never stopped “doing” and was always on the lookout for the next business deal. He had numerous hobbies and loved them all. Whether hunting, fishing, boating, or riding his Honda Goldtip 1200 motorcycle, J.D. was up for the challenge. His favorite of all was talking on the CB radio, and he was one of the best to ever do it.J.D. had been one of the top CBers in Memphis. His CB range was so far reaching, that he was able to connect and communicate on the CB radio with people in other countries. J.D. was also well known for hosting holiday cookouts for the family on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day. It wasn’t only family as people would sometimes come from near and far to enjoy the delicious food, live music and downhome fellowship. He would host various events from antique car shows to family reunions and everything in between.
J.D. was also preceded in death by, one brother and sister-in-law, Charlie Roy (L.A.) Atkins; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Christine Atkins (James Mack) Smith, Ruth Atkins Ford, and Selena Atkins Maclin;five nephews, Nicholas A. Williams, Jerrick D. Williams, John Pittman, Sr., John Pittman, Jr., and Jerome L. Boyland.
J.D. leaves to cherish her memories:one son, Valentino “Vincent” Harper;one daughter, Andrea (Nathaniel) Houston, of Memphis, Tennessee; onegranddaughter, Cristie Henry of Texas; one sister, Helen Lavon A. Cathey; three brothers, Sandia (Barbara) Atkins of Memphis, Tennessee; Eddie Lee Atkins(Joyce Walker) of Oakland, Tennessee, and Mickey Edward Atkins ofTexas; a very special niece and nephew, Toddy Williams Richardson and Charles W. Ford II of Memphis, Tennessee,and a very dear friend whom he lovingly referred to as his daughter, Linda Murrell of Oakland Tennessee;one sister-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
16
May
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
16
May
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Graveside
16
May
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
Cemetery Details
Location
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
