Clarence Atkinson

Clarence “MIGHTY JOE” was born October 12, 1942 to the late Walter and Estella Cobb-Atkinson. He transitioned peacefully from this earthly life on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Clarence was raised in Wilson, County, NC where he met and married his beloved wife Blossie “SHAWTY” OF 57 YEARS. After years of employment with Peacock Meat Factory, Backyard Auto Mechanic and Race Car driving, he retired as a faithful employee and continued to help others. One of his hobbies were racing, every Saturday he would cruise his 1967 RED GTO to the race track in Goldsboro, NC and the nick name was the “White Goat”, definitely did not understand that concept if the car was red, maybe because it put out “white smoke”. He was also his own mechanic for the GTO and if you needed repairs on a bus, train or airplane he fixed it. His Favorite snacks was peanut butter, chocolate cake and a big glass of milk. His huge smile, his comic personality and his willingness to help anyone who was in need until his health declined. Truly Joe and Bill as identical twins had different life styles but so much in common. I guess that’s a TWIN THING, right Faye and Kaye? Clarence, affectionately known as “MIGHTY JOE”, loved his family and he made sure they always had what they needed. He also was a man who never met a stranger and loved talking with people especially with his best friends Kevin Spann and Mr. Blake. He always had a smile on his face and never knew when he was mad, sad, happy or glad and gave the hand gesture (HEY)! He became fond of quartet music and enjoyed four of his favorite groups, his daughters and grandchildren (THE HEAVENLY STAR’S, VISION MUZIC, THE MIGHTY ONES AND THE BLESSINGS) singing no matter if they were in rehearsal, him and mom being the audience or at a gospel singing event. Oh, don’t forget his ol’skool quartet groups Deacon Lou Dobbs and the Christian Sons and the Original Travelaries. He Leaves many loving and cherished memories to his beloved wife of 57 years of marriage Blossie Mae Atkinson (aka SHAWTY), one son, James (Linda), five daughters, Faye Mackey (Marvin), Kaye Williams (Ronnie), Renia Brooks (Ron), Peggy all of Connecticut and Jeanette McNeil (Derrick) of Castalia, NC. 28 grand-children, 50 great grand-children, two sisters, Fannie Powell of Wilson, NC and Annie Doris-Jones of Philadelphia, PA; one brother, Pastor George Thomas Atkinson (First lady Carrie) of Wilson, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clarence was pre-deceased by his parents, Walter Atkinson and Estella Cobb-Atkinson, five sisters, Emma Lee Meeks, Alice Manning, Minnie Lee Barnes, Esther High and Ada Atkinson-Harris, four brothers, His twin brothers Clifton “Bill” Atkinson, Walter “Jay” Atkinson, Jr., William “Buck” Atkinson and Bobby Ray Atkinson.

Clarence Atkinson

October 12, 1942 - February 11, 2021