Mr. Leonard Cecil Atkins, 78, of Adairsville, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at his residence. He was born in Pickens County on March 6, 1934, son of the late J.T. and Tamer Thompson Atkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Christopher Atkins; and by two brothers, Hoyle Gene Atkins and Grady Lee Atkins.

Mr. Atkins was a veteran, serving his country in the United States Air Force.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sheila Loraine Rogers Atkins; two sons and daughters-in-law, Cecil and Linda Atkins of Temple Ga., and Carl and Sarah Byars of Rome; grandchildren, Brionna Atkins and Jarrel Longino, and Nicholas Atkins; a great-grandchild, Christopher Michael Dwayne Nealey; a sister-in-law, Mary Atkins; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Leonard Cecil Atkins will be held Thursday, December 27 at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. Mr. Atkins body was cremated following the service.

The Atkins family received friends at the funeral home Thursday from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour of 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to United Hospice, 150 Warrior Path, Suite 2, Calhoun, GA 30701.

Online condolences maybe expressed and the guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of funeral arrangements.