Chester Ray Atkins

Mr. Chester Ray "Check" Atkins, 87, of Pilot Mountain, went home to be with the Lord and "Ma" on Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2015, after a brief illness. Mr. Atkins was born January 23, 1928, in Surry County, one of six children born to the late Paul and Sadie Dollyhigh Atkins. Check graduated from White Plains School in 1949 and retired as a truck driver in 1992 from York Oil Company after 35 years of service. Affectionately known as "Pa" to his family, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a sweet and humble brother, and a beloved friend. He was a lover of bluegrass gospel music and would often sneak off to play his banjo and guitar. Mr. Atkins was a faithful member of Dover Baptist Church and Round Peak Masonic Lodge #616 AF and AM. Check also had a special love for children and they loved him. Check always had a kind word for everyone and candy in his pockets, including Tootsie Rolls for Wayne's Irish Setter, Red, and his special little friend, Savannah. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth "Beth" and Paul Beeson of Pilot Mountain; a son and daughter-in-law, M. Wayne and Robin Atkins of Pinnacle; a foster daughter, Teresa Eloise "Teri" Bunker Zita of Florence, SC; his grandchildren, Christopher Wayne and Stephanie Atkins, Danielle Beeson, and Jacob Beeson, all of Pilot Mountain, and Kevin Dean and Ashley Atkins of King; six great-grandchildren, Ethan Atkins, Garrett Atkins, Gavin Atkins, Kennley Atkins, Chandlin Atkins, and Jacey Atkins; two sisters, Pansy Atkins Allen and Faye Atkins Edwards, both of Mount Airy; three sisters-in-law, Ruby Bunker East and Byrona Bunker Atkins, both of Mount Airy, and Lena Bunker Stack of Winston-Salem; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Bunker Atkins; a great-granddaughter, Grayson Jade Atkins; a sister, Stella Mae Atkins Marion; two brothers, Melvin Monroe Atkins and Harvey Coolidge Atkins; and two sisters-in-law, Marie Bunker Snow and Nonnie Bunker East. A service of worship and a celebration of Check's life will be held Sunday, July 19, 2015, at 3:00 PM at Dover Baptist Church, with the Rev. Larry Jones, the Rev. Fred Miller, Dr. Ricky Atkins, and Mr. Gary York officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Kim and Tonya. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030.