Obituary of William H. Atkins

William “Billy” Harold Atkins, age 80, of Pembroke, formerly of Dorchester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home on Wednesday August 13, 2014. Avid fisherman, gardener, and animal lover, Billy was an active member of over 50 years in the Boston Bricklayers & Allied Craftsworkers Union Local #3. Billy was a veteran who served in the Army from 1954 – 1956, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He served in the Peace Corps from 1963-1966 in Sierre Leone, Africa where he was one of the first Bricklayers to volunteer and worked in rural development. Beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he is survived by his children: Lynn Atkins of Pembroke, Raymond Atkins and his wife Martha of Alexandria VA, and Amy Janicki of Wakefield. He was a loving grandpa to William and Natasha Atkins and Alexander Janicki. Billy also leaves behind 3 brothers and 3 sisters: Robert “Bob” Atkins, Sheryl Beers, Elizabeth “Betty” Cosette, David Atkins, Kathy Berry, and Don Atkins as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life ceremony to be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 7 Mattakeesett St (Rt. 14), Pembroke, on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 2-6:00 PM.