Billy Thad Atkins, who resided near Charleston, Arkansas, died Monday, August 14, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on September 18, 1944, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to the late Raynard and Connie Atkins. He was 78 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Tammy Curry.

For 30 years, Bill was a retired foreman at Rheem Manufacturing Company in Fort Smith. He was a cattle farmer and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 18th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with Bro. Willie Mooney officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery, located west of Booneville, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary (McKenzie) Atkins; a son, Cody Pettigrew and wife Michelle of Texarkana; two sisters, Jerry Russell of Oklahoma, and Vickie Crossland of New Mexico; a brother, Keith Atkins of Texas; seven grandchildren, Sarah Morgan, Taylor Ralston, Katie Hawkins, Alexis Vinci, Jayci Pettigrew, Cayden Pettigrew, and Braxton Pettigrew; and four great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Levi Morgan and Avery and Gage Vinci.

Pallbearers are Kolby Rasmussen, Tanner Yawn, Audie Murphy, Eugene Bradford, Bobby White, and Josh Morgan.

The family will visit with friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. an hour prior to the funeral service.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.