Kenneth George Atkinson age 93 was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth was born on July 18, 1931 in Kingston, Jamaica to the late Herbert and Dorris Atkinson. Kenneth was lovingly called Kenny or Ken by his family, friends and coworkers.

After graduating High school Kenny went to trade school where he studied construction, welding and carpentry. He then migrated to the United States in 1959 in search of a better life for himself. He settled in Brooklyn, NY where he began his career working for Standard Products as a Production Supervisor until he retired in 1994.

One day while walking his loving nieces and nephews, Joan, Danise, Huntley and Deryck to the school bus stop he met the love of his life, Winifred Bumgardner. They married on April 22, 1961, and from this union 4 daughters were born.

Kenny was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Winifred, sister Gloria Palmer, and Vincent Atkinson. He leaves to mourn four daughters, Selina Lindo, Melissa Summers, Jolanda Neely, and Jeanette Atkinson, a son in-law Darren Neely, eight grandchildren, Tiara Lindo, Tatiana Summers, Stephen Lindo, Darielle Neely, Kaylah Summers, Tyrell Lindo, Dante' Caldwell, and Darren Neely Jr., three great grandchildren, Caylin Wilbert, Aceyn Lindo and Ariyah Lindo, brothers, Audley Atkinson, Bruce Atkinson, sister, Elaine Lawson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To Kenny family was everything. We will truly miss family trips, your sense of humor and quick comeback, watching boxing matches with you, cooking and baking, your lessons on household repairs, and every aspect of life.

You were truly a provider, a protector, and our ferocious lion with a giant roar, but a gentle heart. Kenny was a romantic that believed in showering his wife, as well as his daughters, with flowers, candy and gifts on all occasions, showing us, what true and unconditional love really is. He was truly our first love.

Kenny, a man who embodied the meaning of fatherhood, leaving behind a lasting impact on all who knew him. Kenny was role model to many and was loved and respected by all.

He always shared wisdom and knowledge to everyone he came in contact with. Everyone would walk away with the same comment, "He is a good man."

Dad, your legacy is a symphony of love, resilience, and cherished moments. We honor you by upholding the values and traditions that made our family strong. A man who loved his family deeply, a man who worked hard to take care of his family, a man who bought us up in the way of the Lord, a man who was always willing to lend a helping hand, a husband, a father, a friend, a man who was and is our number one role model.

God blessed you to guide our lives and give us bountiful joy, but then your work was done, and he called you to his side to live with him in eternal peace and happiness. Reunited for all eternity with the love of your life where you heart longs to be. Although you are gone your love remains a constant beacon in our lives. May your spirits rekindle, soar high, and fly as one. Whenever we would say I love your response would always be "I love you more, God bless you, and until we meet again".

The funeral service for Mr. Atkinson will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, November 23rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 1 o'clock.

Following the committal at Elmwood Cemetery, a Repast will be held at 4:30 o'clock, at Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands, 1107 Williams St, Columbia, SC 29201.