Mr. Larry Ray Atkins, 76, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC, following a major stroke.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC, with Rev. Barry Yates officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at their home.

Larry was born on November 30, 1948, in Shreveport, LA, to the late Ray and Lois Brock Atkins. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Atkins.

A 1966 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, Larry went on to earn an Electronics Degree from CPCC and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Montreat College.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Larry enjoyed a long and successful career, retiring from BellSouth after 20 years as an Engineering Area Manager. He later worked as a Project Manager with Parsons Corporation for over a decade.

A talented musician from a musical family, Larry played drums and sang in several bands, including The Noise Boys and Toni Naples Band in Charlotte, and the Biloxi Blues Band in Biloxi, MS.

Larry truly embraced life. He loved fishing in the Outer Banks, attending Carolina Panthers games, boating, golfing, and playing cards with friends and family. He was also an active member of his community, serving as a deacon and choir member at Grace Presbyterian Church in Tega Cay, and a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Biloxi. In 2016, he was honored as King of the Young Matrons Mardi Gras Krewe in Biloxi, MS.

Above all, Larry cherished his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Terri Davis Atkins; daughters Nova Atkins (Tim) of Rock Hill, Sara A. Gibson (Russ) of Huntersville, NC, and Somer S. Herleikson (Miles) of Clover; son N. Adam Simpkins (Rachel) of Fort Mill; brother Roger Atkins of Boone, NC; and eight cherished grandchildren: Skylar, Samuel, Sophie, Stella, Scott, Sloan, Alexander, and Gunner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, P. O. Box 3026, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 www.dravetfoundation.org.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC, is serving the family of Mr. Atkins.

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