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Obituary of Edward "Ed" Atkinson
Edward “Ed”, “Eddie” Wayne Atkinson, 59, of Largo, Florida, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Morton Plant Hospital under the excellent care of the B6 unit and Dr. Henry Hryniewicz. At his bedside were his sister, Lisa, and his brother (best friend), Chad. He was born May 31, 1964, in Halifax County, Virginia. He lived in Gulfport, Florida for a time where he graduated high school in 1982 from Boca Ciega High School. He then returned to Virginia where he found his passion in firefighting. Eddie lived, ate, and breathed the fire service. It was natural for him, and he excelled as he progressed through the ranks. He served as Lieutenant and Captain of the South Boston, Virginia Fire Department. He took many new recruits under his wing, and this was the setting for the beginning of his decades-long friendship with Chad Parrett. Eddie found his way to his life-long dream of professional firefighting when he accepted a position with the Danville, Virginia Fire Department. During this time, Eddie’s constant companion and love of his life was his boxer, Alice. This bond was like no other, and they made each other better individuals. He remained in his position with Danville Fire Department until he relocated to Florida where he lived in St. Petersburg and Largo. In his spare time, Eddie did the other thing that he found joy in which was home improvement. He was a master with a saw and hammer. It was an innate talent, and no job was too big nor too small for him. He had many customers who will miss him and his attention to detail.
Edward Atkinson is survived by his wife, Terrie, two daughters, Jordyn and Ashley, a son, Travis, and a granddaughter, Elyse. Eddie is also survived by his devoted sister, Lisa, her husband and children, Mel, Luke, and Hannah. Survivors also include his best friend, Chad, his wife and children, Kathy, Drake, Chandler, and Tara. Chad would surely tell wonderful stories. He is also survived by cousins and uncles. There are too many friends to mention them all, but two special ones are Mark and Jerry.
Eddie is best known for his compassion towards others, and he showed that daily by his commitment to his decades of work in the fire service. His commitment to serving others was seen even to the end with the donation of his corneas so that others might have the beauty of sight. He gave to others through even providing his home improvement services at times at no charge.
He was also known as being a wonderful friend, loyal and withstanding all adversity. He was a dedicated brother, adored by his sister. Eddie loved a good laugh, and he was a great jokester and storyteller. He enjoyed a cold Miller Light. He was a simple man with food, loving steak and a good grouper sandwich.
Through his childhood, Edward attended Dan River Baptist Church in Virginia. Although he was not affiliated with a church at the time of his death, his faith was secure as he believed privately.
Please, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Cancer Society or to your local volunteer fire company.
Eddie touched every life he came across, and he will be missed immensely.
