Gerald Ray Atkins, Sr.

Gerald Ray Atkins, Sr., 80, died Sunday, April 19, 2020. He was born August 16, 1939 in Wake County to the late Jessie Ray and Virginia Elizabeth Woodall Atkins. Gerald served 4 years in the United States Air Force as an Air Police Guard. He was a charter member of the Fairview Fire Department serving for 48 years as well as serving as a past Chief. He was active in the Wake County Fireman’s Association serving as a past President. He was also a brother of the Charles B. Newcomb Lodge and a Shriner with the Cary Shrine Club. Mr. Atkins owned and operated Fairview Service Company until his retirement in 2005. Due to current community restrictions, a private family graveside will be held. He is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Prince, Brenda Day and husband, Jesse, and Wanda Kelly and husband, Bill; son, Gerald Ray Atkins, Jr. and wife, Teresa; brother, Ben Atkins and wife, Cheryl; grandchildren, Jennifer Mills and husband, Jason, Julie Hill and husband, Clinton, Bryan Atkins and wife, Alexis, Daniel Atkins, Olivia Day, Caleb Day, Emily Day, and Luke Kelly; great grandchildren, Chase Gonzalez, Makayla Gonzalez, Carolina Hill, and Tyler Nicole Hill. Gerald was greeted in heaven by his grandson, Adam Kelly as well as his wife, Alva Joyce Morris Atkins and son-in-law Robert Prince. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Inc., 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565 or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com.