FRANKLIN-John Marshall Atkinson, 56, died October 21, 2011.
He was born April 24, 1955 and was a graduate of Franklin High School and attended Atlantic Christian College. He started his career in Restaurant Management in Richmond, VA and furthered it in the Florida Keys. Johnny always greatly anticipated his visits home to Franklin because of his love for family and friends and his passion for the Nottowaters Clubhouse and the river. He was predeceased by his father, William Robert Atkinson Jr.
Survivors include his long time companion, Bobbie Jeffries and her daughter Casey Jeffries of Key Largo, FL; mother, Ann Dillon Atkinson; brothers, Billy Atkinson (Faith), Richard Atkinson (Sandy) Sister, Pat Cobb (Nelson) all of Franklin; honorary sister, Carole Sykes of Nags Head, NC; nieces and nephews, Johnny Hinkle, Woody Atkinson (Michelle), Carrie Fox (Jay), Dillon Blythe, Miller Atkinson (Ashley), Jamie Atkinson, John and Ashten Hinkle, Braden and Canen Atkinson, Blakely and Elan Fox.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Wright Funeral Home. A private interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Johnny to the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program, P.O. Box 44, Sedley, VA 23878 or the ASPCA, www.donate.aspca.org. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.