James Edwin "Eddie" Atkinson

James Edwin "Eddie" Atkinson of Rogers passed away on July 29, 2016. He was born on June 1, 1921 in Pine Bluff to the late Robert and Myrtle Atkinson. Eddie lived a life studded with high points. He played football for Pine Bluff High School and went on to play for Vanderbilt University. As a Navy veteran, he served on a submarine during World War II and received the Bronze Star. After the war, he worked as an engineer for IBM for many years. He retired, however, from Pine Bluff's own W&A Manufacturing, a company owned by his family. He was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts program at First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Eddie also put down roots in Rogers, and he and his wife Rachel were members of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Eddie is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rachel; his children, Pamela Parkes (Chuck) of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jo Jones (Norm) of Rogers, Karen Mauer of Houston, Texas, James Edwin Atkinson, Jr. (Jule) of Roanoke, Va..; 10 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ross Atkinson; and 4 siblings. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 5 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rogers. The family requests no flowers. Donations to the church would be appreciated. Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.