1946 - 2024
Billy Dean Atkinson, 78, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Deaconess Henderson Hospital in Henderson, KY. Billy was born on January 7, 1946 to Freddy Dean Atkinson & Vonita Ellen (Nipper) Atkinson. On March 18, 1966 he married Gladys M. Atkinson, who preceded him in death on April 1, 1999.
Billy owned & operated Bill’s Tree Service in McLeansboro for many years, and had previously worked as a truck driver. He was dedicated to his job and he was a hard worker. He had attended Hopewell Church in McLeansboro.
He enjoyed traveling, and he loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Billy is survived by 2 sons: Freddy (Debbie) Atkinson of Cedar Grove, TN and Teddy (Beverly) Atkinson of McLeansboro; a daughter Jennie Atkinson-Lytle of McLeansboro; 7 grandchildren: Brianna (Justin) Shipman, Dakota Atkinson, Chelsea Atkinson, Amanda (Will) Burlison, Kyle Atkinson, Kinneth Atkinson, Emma Lytle; 4 great-grandchildren: James Harshbarger, Keyton Harshbarger, Hayden Burlison, Ashlynn, Burlison, and one on the way; several step-children, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren; and 2 nieces: Leisa Pettyjohn and Vonita Salee.
He was preceded in death by both parents Freddy & Vonita Atkinson, his grandparents Allie & Erma Hicks, his wife Gladys Atkinson, and a sister Thelma Gallo.
Funeral services for Billy Dean Atkinson will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Rev. Richard McCormick officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Interment will follow the funeral service at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with final expenses, and may be made to Gholson Funeral Home.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
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