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Clyde “Gene” Atkins, age 87, passed away peacefully at home in Aubrey, Texas surrounded by his loving family on January 10, 2023. He was born July 19, 1935 in Vernon, Alabama to Lonnie Hewitt and Mary Etta Atkins. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia A. Atkins; son and wife Jeffrey and Sharrell Atkins of Cross Roads, Texas; son and wife Bryan and Suzanne Atkins of Aubrey, Texas; granddaughter and husband Ashley and James Birmingham of Argyle, Texas; grandson and wife Hunter and Natalie Atkins of Midland, Texas; granddaughter and husband Chelsea and Sebastian Patino of Lubbock, Texas; grandson and wife Jacob and Allie Atkins of Springtown, Texas; granddaughter Hannah Atkins of Denton, Texas; niece Brenda Atkins Wood of Columbus, Mississippi (the two having been raised as siblings); eight great granddaughters, Pearl, Rose, Anne, Madeline, Ava, Chloe, Emma, Adalynn, one great grandson, Carter, and a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly. Gene was known by nearly everyone as the hardest working man they have ever known. A union roofer by trade (65+ year member of United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers, AFL-CIO, Local 149) he possessed passion for and took great pride in his work. In early retirement his focus turned to fishing on Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts. You would be hard pressed to find a man who pulled more crappie out of Lake Lewisville during the decade of the 90s. He was a long time active member of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Lake Dallas, Texas. His love for the outdoors simply cannot be understated. Well into his 80s, in weather fair or foul, he spent 10 hours a day or more clearing, mowing, raking and landscaping his yard, resting now and then to smoke his ever present pipe. The only thing he may have loved more than toiling in his yard were his 5 grandchildren. Ashley, Hunter, Chelsea, Jacob and Hannah – Pops loved you more than you will ever know. Your wedding days were the social events of his lifetime. He beamed with pride over your accomplishments, especially your academic and professional achievements, and his heart ached over your disappointments. To him, seeing you obtain the formal education and business acumen he lacked meant you were secure and would never have to work as he did. Nothing brought him joy like you five, nothing. A visitation for Gene will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Slay Memorial Chapel, 400 S. Highway 377, Aubrey, Texas 76227. Burial will be held at 2:00 pm at Swisher Cemetery, 612 N. Shady Shores Road, Lake Dallas, Texas 75065 with Reverend Homer Walkup presiding. On-line condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley R. Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Clyde Gene Atkins

July 19, 1935 - January 10, 2023