Reverend William Lewis Atkins better known at Brother “Widdy”, age 88 of Guin, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in the North Mississippi Medical Center. Survivors include son, Allen Atkins (Kathy) of Guin, Randal Atkins (Phyllis) of Guin and Shane Atkins (Stephanie) of Moundville, grandchildren, Tara Eller (Tim), Heath Atkins (Amanda), Kyle Atkins (Nicole), Kayla Baine (Nelson), Victoria Roe (Trent), and William Cade Atkins , great grandchildren, Michael Howard (Perry), Corey Eller (Brittany), Andrew Eller, Chris Eller (Taylor), Kara Eller, Logan Atkins, Carson Atkins, Addison Atkins, Hannah Atkins, Kayson Baine, and Lillian Baine, 8 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Wates Atkins, father, Belton “Dock” Atkins, mother, Mary “Cook” Atkins, brothers, Bobby Dean Atkins, and Franklin Atkins, sisters, Betty McDonald, and Wilma Palmer.

He was a longtime resident of Guin and former student-athlete of Marion County High School class of 1954. Brother “Widdy” accepted Christ in the early 1960’s while working in the Quad Cities area in Northwestern Illinois- Iowa with John Deere Company. Shortly thereafter he entered the ministry and learned Spanish to reach more people. He also witnessed to many prisoners while they were incarcerated. He returned to Alabama in 1964 to pastor Mt. Willing Freewill Baptist Church in Fayette County. He subsequently pastored Free Waters (Guin), Mt. Pleasant (Brilliant), Pleasant Ridge (Hamilton), Pleasant Site (Detroit), Barnesville (Hamilton), Poplar Log (Hamilton), and Bethlehem Freewill Baptist where he remained an active member. This culminated 54 years of pastoring area Freewill Baptist Churches. Brother “Widdy” was also known for many revivals that crossed state lines, and for using his vocation/job and primary hobby, hunting, to further his ministry. He inspired his family to hunt, perform Christian music, play sports, but most of all live a good Christian life. He will be missed by many, but currently is in heaven rejoicing with the angels.

Funeral services for Reverend Atkins will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the West Alabama Memorial Gardens. The visitation will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bowen Funeral Home serving the Atkins Family.