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Gary Louis Atkins passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on Aug. 13, 1953, the fourth child and youngest son of Landon Gayle Atkins and Adeline Smith Atkins. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Landon and Adeline Atkins and his older brother, Jimmy Gayle Atkins. 

Gary is survived by his two daughters, Stephanie Atkins Hein (Will) of Fredericksburg and Mary Elizabeth Atkins, of Farmville; four granddaughters, Adia Hein, Francesca Hein and Magnolia Phillips, all of Fredericksburg and Madison Atkins of Farmville; three sisters, Pamela Atkins Layman, of Farmville, Mary Stewart Atkins Cunningham, (Mike), of Wichita, Kansas, and Terri Atkins Wilson (Nelson) of Farmville, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. 

Gary graduated from Prince Edward Academy, attended Ferrum College and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in real estate. Gary joined his father’s real estate firm, Landon G. Atkins, Inc. Real Estate, where he enjoyed working with his dad and best friend, Landon. During those years, he was also an auctioneer and enjoyed auctioning properties in Southside Virginia. He later opened his own real estate firm, Atkins Real Estate, Inc. Gary enjoyed meeting many special clients and customers during his real estate career. Gary also served the real estate community as a past President of the South-Central Association of Realtors. 

Gary was a very patient and caring person who enjoyed helping others. Gary was also a volunteer firefighter as a member of the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department for approximately 35 years. During severe storms, he would ride out to see if anyone was in need of assistance. Gary often reached out to those who were in need or grieving over the loss of a loved one. 

Gary was a member of Farmville Baptist Church, here in Farmville, and his faith was exhibited throughout his life. He felt very strongly that God had a planned time to call each one of us Home. This is very comforting to those who love and miss him. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15, in the chapel of Puckett Funeral Home, located at 115 Covington Court, Farmville. Visitation will be held from noon until the hour of service at the Puckett Funeral home, with the funeral service to be held at 2 p.m. Interment will take place immediately following the service at Westview Cemetery, Farmville. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s memory to the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, 1000 West Third Street, Farmville, Virginia 23901 or the Prince Edward County Rescue Squad, 500 Doswell Street, Farmville, Virginia 23901. 

Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. 

www.puckettfh.com.