Robert Claiborne Bob Atkins, 81, husband of Barbara Gray Newsom Atkins, of 429 Windemere Drive, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA.

Mr. Atkins was born August 3, 1931, in Petersburg, VA, a son of the late Archibald Gibbs and Elma Adele Smith Atkins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Atkins was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. William Marshall Atkins, MD, and a sister Doris Atkins Spain.

Bob was a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Sunday School teacher, and chairman of the Finance Committee.

After graduation from Petersburg High School where Bob served as President of his graduating class and excelled in football, baseball and track, he attended Randolph Macon College, while there he also played football for several years until he joined the U.S. Navy.

He founded Atkins Automotive Corporation NAPA Auto Parts in 1958 and continued to operate the family business until his recent decline in health; he was a charter member and past President of the Virginia Automotive Wholesaler Association (VAWA).

As a member of the Staunton Kiwanis Club, he had served as the local President and was Lt. Governor of the Capital District. He was a former president of the Staunton Quarterback Club; and served for many years on the Board of the Salvation Army.

Bob felt that each of us has an obligation to their community and church through service to others. He lived his life according to those principles.

Mr. Atkins is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 58 years; his two sons, Robert C. Robby Atkins, Jr. and wife Frances Simmons Atkins of Staunton, and William Owen Billy Atkins and wife Laura Meeteer Atkins of Waynesboro, VA; five grandchildren, Frances Caroline Carrie Atkins, Staunton, Kimberley Holt Atkins Prendergast and husband Barry, Atlanta, GA, William Michael Atkins, Charlotte, NC, Ann Claiborne Atkins, Staunton and Cynthia Lee Atkins, Atlanta, GA.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Memorial Baptist Church and other times at the residence.

A service of entombment will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 in Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Temple Myers with scripture and remarks by Rev. Ben Sprouse.

Active pallbearers will be Lewis Cash, Sr., Jim Harner, Shelton Wine, Roy Conner, Bernard White and Howard Strickler.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Fellowship Sunday School class, the Staunton Kiwanis Club, and past Deacons of Memorial Baptist Church.

It is suggested those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to the Salvation Army, 1700 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge