David Chapman Atkins

David Chapman Atkins, 62, of Prince George, VA, lost his battle with head and neck cancer on November 28, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, George Melvin “Mel” Atkins of Hopewell; father-in-law, Carlton G. “CG” Clary, of Prince George; grandparents, James W. and Henrietta Atkins, and Ernest “EL” and Mary Munford Chapman of Hopewell; special friends, Howard “Curtis” Butterworth of Hopewell and Stephan Bartlett Faison of Camden, NC. He is survived by his mother, Elsie Mae Atkins of Hopewell; his loving wife, Spring Clary Atkins; daughter, Caleigh Atkins both of Prince George; son, Matthew Jones of Chesterfield; mother-in-law- Margie Clary; great-nephew, Ryan Clary of Prince George; brother, George Atkins of Hopewell; sister, Daphne Atkins of Virginia Beach and Richmond; sister-in-law, Melody Bennett and brother-in-law, Robby Clary both of Prince George; nephews, Eric Clary, Cory Lawson, Blake Lawson (Ashley), and Dakota Bennett all of Prince George; great-nephews, Corbin Lawson, Bryce Lawson, Braxton Bennett; great-niece, Kylar Lawson, many longtime friends and colleagues at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell. David enjoyed teaching Health and Physical Education at Carter G. Woodson Middle School and retired earlier this year. He coached the Woodson Wildcats Football Teams 2005-2009 and Baseball Teams 2007-2009. His passion for sports followed him throughout his life. He dreamed of an opportunity to coach the Washington Redskins and teach the Woodson Choir to sing “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road”. He enjoyed outdoors, boating, fishing, spending time with friends, and drinking Budweiser. He was a member of Gamma Delta Psi Fraternity International Beta Alpha Chapter in Hopewell and Sigma Fraternity Atlantic, Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Carter G. Woodson Middle School Gym, 1000 Winston Churchill Drive, Hopewell, VA with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers contributions in honor of David can be made to the Hopewell High School Football Team or CGW Woodson Paw Store. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .