Atkinson, Nathan Ezra

Nathan Ezra Atkinson, 33, of Shawsville, Va., passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010. “In This Place You Held Sacred, You Now Are Free.” Mr. Atkinson was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lois Gardinia Ridpath. He is survived by his grandparents, Robert Maurice and Helen Rutrough Atkinson, of Radford, and Alfred Landon and Susan Ridpath, of Max Meadows; father, Gary L. Atkinson, of Christiansburg; mother, Brenda R. Spencer, and stepfather, Marvin M. Spencer, both of Plymouth, N.C.; sister, Mariah Leigh Atkinson, of Blacksburg; uncles and aunts, Debbie and Dale Stewart, of Lenoir, N.C., Annette and Winfield Carter, of Riner, and Alfred and Amy Ridpath, of Richmond; and numerous cousins and friends. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at Horne Funeral Service. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Ed Henson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, Ga. 31709-3498. Online condolences may be sent to hornefuneralservice.com. The Atkinson family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va., 540-382-2612.