Johnny "Bones" Atkinson

Johnny Atkinson

Matthews, GA  –         Johnny Atkinson, 66, loving husband of 32 years to the late Darlene Amerson Atkinson, entered into his eternal rest Saturday morning, January 12, 2019 at his residence. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday afternoon, January 16, 2019, with the Reverends Ed Chance and Chad Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery.

Johnny was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. Most people knew him as “Bones”, a nickname given to him when as a young boy he was tall and nothing but “skin and bones”. As a young man, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Bones started out driving a logging truck, retiring after 20 years of service when his health declined from driving trucks for M. B. Jones Oil Company. After his retirement, Bones could often be found at Peggy’s, helping out his beloved wife by filling salt/pepper shakers, cleaning the ice machine, etc.  His table was center stage and he often joked that he and his best buddy, Pinchy, were the bouncers. Bones loved to fish and had lots of fish stories to go along with every fishing trip. It has been said that the two things he loved most—after his family, that is—was fishing and enjoying good food.  Having a gregarious personality and loving to talk, Bones never met a stranger and made friends easily.  A devoted husband and father, he had an absolute love for his family. His simple way of life, generous spirit, loyal friendship and genuine love will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Johnny was also preceded in death by his parents, Roxie Jane Atkinson and John Willy Amerson; and five siblings, Mary Jane Simpson, Catherine “Cat” Petrea, Clarence “PeeWee” Atkinson, James Atkinson and Lucille Atkinson. Survivors include his children, James Atkinson, (Jill) and Kellie P. Brassell (Lewis); one sister, Jenny Allen (J.T.); eleven grandchildren, Jonathan Brassell (Ashley), Leslie Brassell, Misty Atkinson, Brittany Atkinson, Calie Atkinson, Austin Jennings, Brianna Weeks, Toby Bass, Michael Bass, MacKenzie Bass and Preston Watts; five great grandchildren, Gracelyn McCoy, G. B. McCoy V, Travis Atkinson, Case Brassell and Toby Bass Jr; two loving friends, Lynn and Pinchy Prescott; in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Toby Bass, G.B. McCoy, Ashton Neal, Preston Prescott, Alan Rabun, Canyon Spivey, Don Watts and Preston Watts.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening, January 15, 2019.

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