Thomas Leroy Atkins, 77, died Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula following a stroke.

He leaves his brother, Rodney Atkins of Denair and many nieces and nephews.

He was born in West Virginia to William and Ona Atkins on March 25, 1938.  He came to the Santa Maria area at the age of 12 and later graduated from Santa Maria High School.  In 1961, he was drafted in the United States Army, where he was a Morse Code Operator and completed 17 reconnaissance missions to East Berlin.  After his honorable discharge in 1963, Thomas settled in Nipomo where he received his Associate’s degree in Arts while working for Okonite Electrical and Cable for 28 years. He settled in Santa Maria before coming to Denair six months ago to be closer to his brother, Rodney. He belonged to a club for antique bottle collectors and enjoyed fishing. He also was a lover of music and playing his guitar.

Visitation will be held from 2pm - 5pm on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Allen Mortuary  located at 247 N. Broadway in Turlock.

A military graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Monday, September 28, 2015 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com