DATELINE: Marietta, N.C.

Mrs. Rayford Lee Atkinson
Mr. Rayford Lee Atkinson, age 83 of Marietta NC passed away peacefully Friday, April 4, 2025, at Woodhaven Nursing Facility in Lumberton NC.
Ray was born on January 03, 1942, in Robeson County to the late Francis Marion and Lonnie Smith Atkinson.
Ray grew up in a large family in Centerville NC where he learned the value of hard work. After high school he moved to Charlotte NC, met Sarah Watkins, married, and had six children. Durning this time he started a career as a plumber and later owned and operated his own plumbing company. He also worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg County Schools and NC Department of Corrections as a master plumber.
Ray graduated from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga Tennessee in 1976 where he received a Doctorate Degree and became an ordained minister. He then moved back to Robeson County and began Calvary Way Baptist Church in Fairmont. He loved the church and never missed an opportunity to share the word with everyone he met.
Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for his quick-witted humor and always had a joke to tell. He will be missed terribly by all who loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, David Atkinson, grandsons, Rayford Lee Atkinson, and Gage Cutler. He is survived by two sons Jim Atkinson (Debbie) of Orrum NC, Scott Atkinson (Lori) of Lumberton NC, three daughters, Christina Smith (Kim) of Kentucky, Faith Atkinson of
Steadman, and Charity Narjes of Indiana, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1:00, at First Baptist Church, 104 E. 1st Ave, Lakeview SC 29563.