Funeral services for George Edwin Atkins, Jr., 77 year-old Weatherford, Oklahoma resident, will be held Monday, January 16, 2017, 2:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church with Earl Stephenson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

George was born in San Angelo, Texas on July 27, 1939, to George Edwin and Rose (Burton) Atkins and died peacefully the morning of Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford. George grew up in Fort Stockton, Texas. While in High School, George was active in sports and student government. He especially enjoyed playing football, earning the title of Team Captain his senior year. On July 25, 1958, George married Yvonne Lannom, also of Fort Stockton, Texas.

Following High School, George attended Texas Western College in El Paso (now UTEP) for one year. He then moved to Abilene, Texas, to attend Hardin-Simmons University, earning a Bachelors degree in Mathematics. George then received a graduate appointment in the Ballistic Data Section of the Physical Sciences Laboratory at New Mexico State University, and earned a Masters Degree in Mathematics in 1963.

After graduation from New Mexico State, George and his wife, Yvonne, moved to Buena Park, California, where George worked four years as a Reliability Engineer on the Apollo Saturn S-II rocket project.

In 1967, George moved to Weatherford, Oklahoma, and began his 32 year career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University as a professor of Computer Science. George served on many University committees and was instrumental in founding the University Computer Club. While at SWOSU, George relished the many challenges involved in the rapidly changing world of computer programming and technology, but his real occupational joy was found in teaching. In 1994, George was appointed Chair of the Computer Science department, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1999.

George was a long-time and active member of the First Baptist Church of Weatherford, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. George also served on the church personnel, steering and stewardship committees, as well as two capital building campaigns. George served on the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission from 1986-1989, and as president of the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Society in 1990. George also served two 4-year terms as Trustee for Oklahoma Baptist University.

George had many hobbies and interests, including books of all kinds, writing, travel, photography, golf, and gardening. He loved European river cruises, trips to Alaska, long road trips, and good Mexican food. He loved traveling and spending time with his wife and best friend, Yvonne, with whom he had many a great adventure. George was very involved in the lives of his three sons, and spent many hours as coach, instructor, supporter and friend. George also founded and was a member in good standing of the Dead Horse Trading Company, a collection of friends and associates who were dedicated to research, discussion and ongoing education.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose, his two brothers, Clinton and Burton, nephews Jimmy George and A.C., and niece Myra. George is survived by his wife, of 58 years, Yvonne (Lannom) Atkins, his three sons and their families: George (Trey) III, his wife Elise and their two sons, Ryan and wife Summer and Bret and wife Dana; David and his wife Andi; Steven and his two sons, Luke and Aaron. George is also survived by his niece Gail Atkins, his nephew Richard Atkins, and his sister-in-law Sue Atkins Loyd.

George will be remembered by his family and friends as a good and decent man of great humor, a keen intellect, genuine faith and boundless curiosity. He greatly enjoyed his many travels with Yvonne and his sons, and was always looking ahead to the next great adventure. George also enjoyed the many hours spent as a productive member of the Dead Horse Trading Company.

The Atkins family wishes to thank the many friends and family who have supported them throughout this journey, and who have brought comfort and peace. In particular, deep thanks are extended to the pastor and many fine members of the First Baptist Church of Weatherford, the many neighbors and friends within the Weatherford community, the dedicated members (past and present) of the Dead Horse Trading Company, and members of the Atkins and Lannom families, near and far. The Atkins family would also like to thank the many health care professionals in Weatherford for their kindness and care, with a special thanks to John Huser III, MD.