Atkins
WAYCROSS — Mr. Frank B. Atkins, 85, of Waycross, died early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025, at the Satilla Hospice House after an extended illness.
He was born in Louisville, Ky., to the late Francis Balden Atkins, Sr., and Margaret Louise Powers Atkins. Growing up in Louisville, he was raised in the Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir. He also joined a Vaudeville show at the age of 8 and toured an entire summer until deciding to return to Louisville.
After high school, Atkins attended Western Kentucky University. After his time at the university, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, he became fluent in Russian and German where he served as a communications translator.
He worked for CSX Transportation as a chief chemist for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. His career with CSX brought him to Waycross in 1986. Atkins was an excellent handyman, who enjoyed collecting railroad memorabilia and German beer steins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Tevis Atkins of Waycross; two children, Mike Atkins of Louisville, Ky., and Shannon Cochran and her husband, Craig, of Louisville; eight grandchildren, Trevor Atkins, Tara Atkins (Markell), Tori Atkins, Staci Cochran, Kaity Cochran (Colton), Chadwick Cochran, Marley Cochran, and Griffin Cochran; nine great grandchildren, Kelton, Tahlia, Sophia, Tai, Bennett, Tacori, Lakelynn, Brysen, and Ari; two sisters, Kay Stevenson of Louisville. and Nancy Hutchinson (Bill) of Bowling Green, Ky.; close friends, Andy and April Finn of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A graveside service was held Monday, June 2, in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
