George L. Atkins, Jr. of Louisville, and formerly of Hopkinsville, passed away on April 14. He was surrounded by what he considered the happiest and most important part of his life, his loving wife and family.
George was born in Hopkinsville and is preceded in death by both parents, George L. Atkins, Sr and Frances Shaver Atkins, and sister Linda Blocher (David). He is survived by his wife of 35 years Donna Atkins; his three children: Page Elaine (Bill) Adams, Ashlee Ann (Salvador) Melendez, and George L. (Chip) Atkins III (Stephanie). Eight grandchildren: Lindsey (Zach) Evans, Phillip Adams, Maxwell (Emily) Miller, Carmen (Joey) McCoy, Jake Melendez, George Alexander Atkins, Riley Stewart, and Spencer (Sophie) Stewart, and two great-grandchildren, Everly and George Westin Miller.
He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1963 where he attended on a basketball scholarship. He always gave Coach Rupp and the University credit for preparing him for his life’s journey, a journey encompassing the business and consulting world in Kentucky and Washington DC. as well as various positions in Kentucky government and public service as Mayor of Hopkinsville, State Auditor of Public Accounts, Finance Secretary and Secretary of the Governor’s Cabinet.
As a past president of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, George remained an active member of the Board throughout his life. He participated in many civic, charitable, professional, and educational organizations as well as serving on several boards.
He led a full and happy life, getting the most out of every day. An avid traveler, he and Donna found great pleasure in experiencing new and different cultures and sights around the world. George had a thoughtful and kind spirit and was a smart, witty, unassuming person who truly cared about others and had a zest for adventure, life, and family. He was a pleasure to spend time with and thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.
The memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, April 19, 2024, at Pearson’s, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40207. Visitation from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm on Friday, following the service at the funeral home in Louisville.
A visitation will also be held in Hopkinsville on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Hughart, Beard and Giles Funeral Home, 2504 South Virginia Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
A private burial will be in Hopkinsville, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested a donation be made in his honor to the UK Alumni Assn. Scholarship Fund, C/O
UK Philanthropy, PO Box 910628, Lexington, KY 40591, or under UK Alumni Association Scholars Fund at https://uky.philanthropy.uk.edu/