Neil Atkinson

Neil Atkinson, aged 88, slipped peacefully away from this life on the 9th of March 2015, at a hospice facility in Verona, Mississippi. Visitation will be held on Monday, March the 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be on Tuesday 17th March at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Crystal Ridge Cemetery. Reverend Tommy Jones and Reverend Charles Rook will officiate. Pallbearers are Scotty Fleming, Jarred Fleming, Jordon Fleming, Danny Stanley, Dennis Bartholomew, Donovan Stanley, Harley Eaves, Mike Triplett, Danny Keith Stanley, Kevin Stanley, and Kevin Eaves. Memorials may be given to Crystal Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Amanda Eaves, 2305 Crystal Ridge Road, Louisville, MS 39339.




Neil was the devoted husband of his late wife Sylvia Eldeen Hurt Atkinson and father of his baby daughter, Marguerita Mattie Atkinson. He is survived by his step-daughter Sheila and husband, Bobby Fleming; and step-son Phillip Lowrey and wife, Becky. Grandchildren include Scotty Fleming and wife, Carla; Adam Lowrey and wife, Tara; and Ashton Lowrey. Great-grandchildren are Jarred, Jordan and Reagan Fleming; and Emily, Olivia, and Isaac Lowrey.



In 1926, Neil was born to his late parents, Marguerita and Norman Atkinson, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. His siblings included Jacky, Norma and Jean (now deceased). He has only one surviving sister Rita still residing in Newcastle. Grandparents on mother’s side came from County Clare in Southern Ireland. He has nephews Stuart, Neil, Billy, and the late Hughie. In addition, he has two nieces Hazel and Norma. Neil achieved a scholarship at eleven years old to attend a leading school in Newcastle. He later evacuated to Workington in Cumbria, England. After leaving school, he joined the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy to become a Pilot and later was presented with three medals for his achievements. Later, he immigrated to Australia where he stayed in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Neil was employed by the Australian Automatic Totalisators before transferring to the United States where he became head Totalisator Engineer. Then he went to Bredero Price in Galveston, Texas, where he was electrical foreman. Later he moved back to his wife’s home in Louisville, Mississippi, where he was employed by Triplett Electrical Company for many years before retirement. He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge in Louisville; and previously an active member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners. He was a special friend of many in Louisville, Mississippi; England, and Australia. May He Rest in Peace.



Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.