Charles Elliott Atkinson, 84, of Bridge City, passed away on May 5, 2025, at home surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Bridge Point Fellowship Church at 1355 W Round Bunch Rd, Bridge City, TX 77611. Officiating will be Reverend Ryan Holland. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery in Orange, Texas.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Bridge Point Fellowship Church in Bridge City.
Born in Elizabeth, Louisiana, on September 14, 1940, he was the son of Elliott Vincent Atkinson and Blanche Ethel (Lewis) Atkinson. Charles began his career in 1961 at Dupont Sabine Riverworks working in several different areas and retired after 40 plus years. During this time, he also invented animal repellant LLDPE plastic and was granted United States Patent Number 5,031,551. He was featured for this discovery in The Wall Street Journal, Success Magazine, and The New York Times. Then he began another career with Process Technical Services. Charles enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including fishing, spending time at the lake, and hunting. These activities brought him joy and created lasting memories with loved ones. He also took pride in serving his community. Charles was a respected member of the Board of Directors for the Orangefield Water Supply Corp. and had the honor of being the past Chairman of the Board of Sabine Federal Credit Union. He was a volunteer in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, District 5910, and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. His contributions reflect the dedication he had not only to his family but also to those around him. Charles was a devoted family man and held strong to his Christian faith throughout his life. Above all else he loved his Lord, his wife, children, grandchildren, and was thrilled to become a great grandfather. His 7-year-old dog, Evie, was a gift from all of his children. She was a favorite companion and loved their weekly trip to Dairy Queen to get her a double cone. Number 1,2,3,4 – children who he called out by birth order and also told each one they were his favorite. All the kids quickly turned Evie into their little sister, and she became number 5. Charles’s legacy of love, faith, and community service will be cherished by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, E.V. “Chief” and Blanche (Lewis) Atkinson; and son-in-law, Wynn Reese.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gwen Rumsey Atkinson; children, Leah DeVries and husband Wade, Christi Reese and late husband Wynn, Vince Atkinson, Arron Conner and husband Mark, and dog Evie; grandchildren, Jordan Quarles and wife Amber, Lauren Quarles, Gabrielle Bass and husband Alex, Adrianna Atkinson, Peyton DeVries, Kinsley Conner, Logan Conner and wife Mechelle, Shandi Conner, Colton Reese; great grandchildren, Jane Quarles, Jerry and Evan Conner, Carston Hamilton, and due in June 2025, Ruth Bass and Baby Girl Quarles #2; sibling, Don Atkinson and wife Reina; special family, Wayne Seal, Patsy Dowden, Margaret McKee, Rose Rumsey, and Doris Conner; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Peyton DeVries, Jordan Quarles, Elliott Atkinson, Alex Bass, Mark Conner, and Wade DeVries. Honorary pallbearers are Colton Reese, Wayne Seal, and Robert Dupree.