Johnny Thomas Atkerson, 75, of Blythewood, peacefully left this world and entered into the Heavenly City the Lord had prepared for him on Monday, November 4, 2013. Born in Batesburg, SC on September 8, 1938, he was a son of the late Rev. John David and Iva Ruth Wise Atkerson. He was a man of many talents and hobbies, one of which was buying, selling, and restoring old cars. He was an avid fisherman and entered many tournaments at Lake Murray. Johnny also loved gardening, especially raising his prize tomatoes.

He was a supervisor at the University of South Carolina's maintenance department for 42 years and was currently employed there at the time of his death. He was a faithful member of the Pine View Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He was the tenor singer with the Gospel Echoes Quartet for 53 years. His beautiful voice will be remembered forever. Johnny will also be remembered for his quiet pleasant personality and his willingness to lend a helping hand. His greatest joy was spending time with his family – four children; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and nine brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 34 years, Lois Keziah Atkerson; sons, Dale (Belinda) Atkerson, Ricky (Babs) Chewning, Allen (Pam) Chewning, Scott (Gwen) Chewing; brothers, Marion (Zona) Atkerson, Rev. DeWitt (Helen) Atkerson, Rev. Jimmy (Frankie) Atkerson; sisters, Louise Cockrell, Janie Ruth (Charles) Lovett, Miriam (Charles) Moore, Sandra (Charles) Jackson, Karen (Lee) Finklea, Cheryl (Gary) Watkins; grandchildren, Jennifer Atkerson, Sarah Atkerson, Brooke Bradshaw, Chelsy Anderson, Chase and Clayton Chewning; great grandchildren, Arial and Gabriel Anderson, Brady and Brayden Bradshaw.

The funeral for Mr. Atkerson will be held 2 o'clock, Wednesday, November 6th, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, with The Rev. Jimmy Atkerson, The Rev. DeWitt Atkerson and The Rev. Jacob Helsley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock, Tuesday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr, Columbia. The family suggests that memorials may be made to Pine View Baptist Church, 111 Pine View Church Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016 or to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1643 McRae Rd, Camden, SC 29020.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff of Palmetto Health Baptist for their loving care during his short illness.