David Julius Atkinson, Jr.

David Julius Atkinson, Jr., 88, husband of Betty Wright Atkinson, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2026. He was born in Marion County, the son of David Julius Atkinson, Sr. and Helen Lane Atkinson.

David was a graduate of Marion High School. He attended Clemson College and went on to work for GMAC Finance, which led him to his lifelong career in the car business with Love Chevrolet. He was a fixture at various auto auctions along the southeast for many years. With a career spanning over fifty years, friends and colleagues were like his second family.

He instilled love for family, beach music, the Grand Strand, and nature. He treasured time at the beach, especially at the family beach house. David and his father would often go for weekend getaways in his father’s later years.

Although he left Marion County many years ago, he remained a member of Reedy Creek Baptist Church. He also remained an avid fan of the Clemson Tigers, proclaiming his favorite color was orange!

David is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judy Atkinson Hunter. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, his son, David Jason Atkinson, his daughter, Jessica Suzanne Atkinson, and grandson, Carson Julius Atkinson.

Due to a critical family illness, a private family graveside service was held following the viewing at Woodbridge Cemetery on April 16, 2026.

The family is grateful for the care shown by Gwen Busby and Susan Kent with MSA Hospice for the last seven months.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me for now I'm Free

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.