Michael Sean “Mike” Atkinson, 54, of Benton, Ark., was a loving, caring husband, father, brother and friend. He left this world suddenly on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
Mike was born to Howard and Helen Ann (Golden) Atkinson on Dec. 1, 1968, in Glen Cove, New York.
Mike grew up in Indianola, where he was a Cub Scout and played second base for the Little League Braves. He attended and graduated from Indianola Academy as a proud member of the Class of 1988. While at IA Mike excelled at track and field and cross country, where he was an exceptional long-distance runner, earning MVP his senior year.
Mike attended Mississippi Delta Community College and Delta State University, where he majored in business. While at Delta State, Mike was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Throughout his life, Mike was an avid and dedicated New York Yankees and Ole Miss Rebels fan.
Mike worked in agricultural and industrial sales for much of his life, and served as a substitute teacher at Benton High School, Benton Ark.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard A. Atkinson III, and his mother, Helen Ann (Golden) Aldridge.
Mike leaves behind a loving wife, Kim (Ferguson) Atkinson, his beautiful daughter, Olivia Grace Atkinson, and two loving step-children, Presley and Austin Rail, all of Benton, Ark.
Mike is survived by his brother, Howard A. “Buzz” Atkinson IV, and his sister-in-law, Kim Spencer, of Benton, Ark., and his niece, Brittany Atkinson Riley, and her husband, Tim Riley, of Greenville. He is also survived by his sister, Adrienna Atkinson Muys, and his brother-in-law, Rich Muys, of Milford, Pa., and his nieces, Allyssa and Leah, and his nephews, Chris and John.
Mike leaves a list of friends too many to list here, which is a testament to his character and personality. He was loved by everyone he had contact with, and he was a loyal friend for life.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton Ark.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and to the American Diabetes Association.
