Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Mark A. Atkins, Sr. of Jasper, GA on December 16, 2021 at the age of 80. Mark was born September 5, 1941 in Columbus, MS to Helen (Dowdle) and MSG (retired) Marcus Jefferson Atkins. Mark was a military brat and lived all over the world with his Air Force father and mother. His early travels gave him a lifelong passion to see the world, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Mark was a graduate of Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska where he and his best buddy, Dick Ferris, were co-captains of Lathrop's first State of Alaska basketball championship team in 1959. In Fairbanks he met his loving wife of 63 years, Maureen (Winfree). While working for the Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Mark earned his BS in Accounting from Oklahoma City University. He also completed his MBA from Athens State University in Alabama. Mark worked for the US Army Audit Agency for over thirty years, working on projects in the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, and Europe. After his retirement in 1994, Mark continued to work serving others. Mark was President of the Board at Georgia Mountains Hospice until his death. He also served several terms on the Board of Directors at Bent Tree Community. Mark taught Sunday School, served as an Elder, and worked as an usher at Conyers Presbyterian Church and Fellowship Presbyterian Church of Jasper. Mark's greatest joy was his family, and he cherished his trips to Europe with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed doting on his great-grandchildren, pinching toes to wake up Grampy, snuggling on the couch and sneaking peppermints at restaurants. He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Atkins, and four children, Sherry (Andy) Arp, Carol (Charlie) Swanson, Mark (Nan) Atkins, Jr., and Jim (Cheryl) Atkins. His grandchildren include Jason (Alison) Arp, David (Ashley) Arp, Stanton "Bo" (Leslie) Swanson, Georgia Swanson, Cal Swanson, Jordan (Kyle) Betz, Mark "Trey" Atkins, III and Matthew (Mel) Atkins, as well as great-grandchildren, Finnley, Carter and Annabel. He is also survived by his sister, Donna (Rudy) Manning and brothers-in-law, Don (Laura) Winfree, Steve Winfree and Dan (Cathy) Winfree. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and MJ; his brother, Kenneth Atkins and sister-in-law, Linda Winfree. Mark enjoyed reading history, hunting and fishing, listening to bluegrass music at Bear on the Square, and practicing with his dulcimer group. He was full of wisdom and loved funny stories, especially when he was telling them. He will be missed at Monday night picnics, golf outings, and Tavern at the 19th Hole holiday celebrations. It would be remiss to not mention Mark's fiery devotion to the University of Oklahoma Boomer Sooners. Whether dressing in the team's official crimson red or teaching his grandkids the Boomer Sooner fight song, he was a loud and proud fan. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Jasper United Methodist Church in Jasper, Georgia with a reception to follow at the Tavern at the 19th Hole at Bent Tree Golf Course. Memorial donations may be made to Georgia Mountains Hospice. For more information visit: https://www.georgiamountainshospice.org/please-donate/ To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark A. Atkins, please contact Roper Funeral Home. A special thank you for extreme dedication and commitment shown by Bent Tree security, administration, and Tavern staff.