DECEMBER 16 – Basil Taylor Atkins, 79, of Farmvllle, died Monday, December 15, 2003 in Farmvllle.

He was born May 25, 1924 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, a son of the late Walter Taylor Atkins.

Mr. Atkins served his country In the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was co-founder of State Wide Realty Company and was in the real estate business for 45 years. He was a member of VFW Post 7059, a member of the local, state and National Real Estate Boards and he still held his real estate license.

He is survived by his sons, Larry Atkins and his wife, Margaret and Jeffrey Atkins all of Farmville; his daughter, Kathryn “Kitty” Jackson and her husband, Wayne of Farmville; his grandchildren, Phillip and Michael T. Jarrell both of Richmond, Brian T. Atkins, Sheri Atkins Gordon and Lauren Atkins all of Farmvllle; one great-granddaughter, Olivia Gordon of Farmville and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marie K. Atkins.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pisgah Baptist Church, Rice, with Interment in Trinity Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends this evening (Tuesday) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Shorter Funeral Home, Farmvllle.