Gerald D. Atkins, Sr.

Gerald D. Atkins departed this life on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Gerald affectionately known to all as “GA” was born on February 19, 1957, in Kansas City Kansas to the union of George and Nealie Bell (Young) Atkins.

Gerald grew up in the Argentine district of Kansas City Kansas, and accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age by his father the late Rev. George D Atkins Sr. at New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Gerald “GA” participated in several organized sports where he excelled and did well at J.C Harmon High School. He was recognized as an all-city athlete in football, where he was on the KCK all-city team in the position of nose guard. Gerald continued his education at Washburn University in Topeka Kansas, where he continued to play sports and pursue a degree in the business arena.

He later joined the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and attended basic training in Camp Pendleton California. He was then stationed in Okinawa Japan, where he was assigned as a Supply Stock Control Clerk. He was responsible for ensuring that orders were distributed properly to all the troops.

Upon returning to the States Gerald worked various jobs. He spent a short time in Houston, Texas. He found his niche for selling cars for many years in the greater Kansas City area on both sides of the state line.  He was promoted to finance manager in the business and was very successful. He liked to ride in style. He worked for various companies in the customer relations division; including Hard Hanks, where he sold insurance. He worked at AT&T, where he also dominated in the sales field and met his beautiful wife, Victoria. He was semi-retired and worked part-time with the Internal Revenue Service.

Gerald enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and was always the life of any party.  His voice alone commanded everyone’s attention. When he entered the room, you knew it! He was thoughtful, funny, intelligent and full of life.  He enjoyed all sports, especially his Kansas City Chiefs!! He would frequently host football parties for all his friends and family to come together and enjoy. He enjoyed traveling and would often take trips during the winter months to escape the cold.

To know “GA” was to love him. He had an infectious laugh, and an easy-going charm. He enjoyed all genres of music and loved to sing. He would often play the “air piano” while singing to his favorite tune, but don’t leave out his two-stepping abilities. He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, chess, and pool. He was a competitor and took winning seriously. He was known for being a great storyteller! He could keep you fully engaged in his stories, always with a twist. He had a way of making everyone feel included and will truly be missed!

Gerald was proceeded in death by both parents; two sisters; Lynda Atkins Harris, Gabrella Omega Atkins, two brothers; Gregory D Atkins, and George D Atkins Jr., and daughter Ebony Thompson-Atkins.

Gerald leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Victoria Atkins. His children; Shantell Atkins Nichols (Mance), Sharayzell Erskine (Craig) of Douglasville GA, Gerald Atkins Jr. (LaToya), Jamil Thompson-Atkins, Janae Thompson, and Desirea Houston, Bonus children; Ryan, Curtis Caleigh, Joshua, and Nate. Sisters; Gwen Ridgnal, Gisele Atkins, Greta Scroggins (Tony). Brother, Geri “Hector” Atkins. Brother-in-law Artie Smith Jr, Sister-in-laws; Stefanie Smith, Courtney Elem (Darell) of Alabama. His grandchildren, Clarice, Covell, Christian, Caiden, Sierra, Naya, Elijah, Jade, Jaioni, Marquel, Zh’nai, Zeb and Zh’Ayre, Malachi, Messiah, and Harlee, and bonus grand girls; Blake and Paige. A special sister-in-law Pamela Atkins-Kerr (Keith). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

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