Atkinson, Billy Lewis

Billy Lewis Atkinson was born to Robert and Goldie Atkinson. He grew up in Piedmont (Otey) and attended school there.

He married Priscilla (Sheppard) Atkinson and had 4 children. Marcia Annette, Tony, Ricky and Regina. He had 3 Grandchildren, Melanie Atkinson Wayne, Melissa Atkinson Oshoniyi, Matthew Durham. He had 8 great grandchildren. Allie Wayne, Josiah Wayne, Cayden Wayne, Asher Wayne, Ryan Durham, Jaelyn Oshoniyi, Kaiya Oshoniyi and Chloe Oshoniyi. He was a great husband, a wonderful father and an awesome grandpa and great grandfather!

Billy served two terms in the Korean War. He worked at Rowe Furniture and GE in Salem. He served in the Piedmont Pentecostal Holiness church as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher and song leader. He also served on the Piedmont Campmeeting Board. He was the overseer for the Piedmont Cemetery for many years. Billy served as Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout Troop in Shawsville in the late 60’s.

Billy loved riding his motorcycle. He often bragged about logging over 1 million miles and “wearing out 18 Honda Shadow motorcycles”. One of his last long road trips was to see the Grand Canyon and he rode alone the whole trip. He actively rode until he was 92 years old. The family rejoices that he knew Jesus Christ as his savior and is in heaven today!