On June 10th, 2022, our beloved husband, father, and Papaw, John Winston Atkins, 75, passed away peacefully in his home in Newport News surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Newport News, John graduated from Warwick High School in 1965. He served in the United States Navy, attended The Apprentice School, owned Atkins Welding, and was employed by Newport News City Public Works and Jacobs Technology. John was a dedicated softball coach who enjoyed spreading his enthusiasm for the game. His favorite vacation spots were the Outer Banks, Florida and anywhere his grandsons were. John was an extremely hard worker, could fix or build anything, always enjoyed a well-cooked meal, dressed up for any occasion, and had a witty word to say without fail. He touched many lives and will truly be missed by all that knew him.

John was born March 10, 1947, and was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Minnie Atkins, and his sister, Linda Atkins Rutter. Those who are left to treasure his memory are his cherished wife of 38 years, Rebecca Atkins; two daughters, Kelley James (Nathan) and Sarah Cook (Rob); seven grandsons, John, Dean, Tucker, Cooper, and Ben James; Nolan and Miles Cook;  and four nephews Chuck (Pam), Dan, Mark (Nikki) and Russell (Kim) Rutter, along with extended family members and friends.

We would like to thank Riverside Hospice for their love and support during the last few months of his life.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in memory or honor of John, through the Riverside Foundation Hospice Fund, 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, VA 23606 (https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/riverside.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. To honor John’s love of style, please feel welcome to wear bright colors or patterns instead of black.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance were provided through Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.