Frank Withers Atkinson, of Signal Mountain, slipped away to be with the Lord and Savior on September 13, at 91 years old. As the middle child of five siblings, Frank was born in Christian County, Kentucky near Hopkinsville. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a member of the Army Air Corps in the Philippines. After his service, he returned stateside and married the love of his life, Hilda Henderson, in 1948. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his degree in electrical engineering, with a minor in mechanical engineering. In 1952, he and Hilda moved to Chattanooga where Frank spent the next 40 years as an electrical engineer at the new DuPont plant. During his professional career, he was a member of the Chattanooga Engineer’s Club and an officer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Upon moving to Signal Mountain, Frank joined Signal Mountain Baptist Church where he remained an active member all his life. At the church, he served as deacon, finance chairman, teacher, building chairman, repairman and more. He loved the Lord and serving Him and His people through Signal Mountain Baptist.
After retiring in 1992, Frank spent his time volunteering for local organizations in his community, including Nolan and Thrasher Elementary Schools and the Town of Signal Mountain Board of Zoning and Appeals. He helped to build the original Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain, served on the board of Chattanooga State Community College, designed and reworked the electrical and heating systems at Bachman Community Center and aided in disaster relief for the Southern Baptist Convention. Frank was always ready to lead a hand where help was needed. In 2003, he was honored as the Bachman Community Town of Walden “Volunteer of the Year” and recently received a “ Thirty-Eight Year Certificate of Honors’ from the Cherokee chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Frank will be cherished and missed by his loving family: wife of nearly 70 years, Hilda; son, George Andrew ( Andy) Atkinson and his wife, Sandra; daughter, Hillaine Atkinson Nanney and her husband John Edward (Ed) ; four grandchildren: David Atkinson ( and wife Rachel), Brian Atkinson, Addison Nanney and Katherine Nanney; great-grandson Sawyer Atkinson; one brother Billy W. Atkinson ( and wife, Martha ) of Riverview, Florida: and many nieces and nephews.
A special word of thanks to those who provided loving and attentive care to Frank while at Alexian Brothers Health Center. Most recently, Betty, Alisha, Nancy, Melanie, MiKayla, Lisa, David, Barbara Nel and others.
Frank lived his life according to the Word, especially 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’’
In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions can be made in Frank’s name to the American Heart Association or Signal Mountain Baptist Church, Building Maintance.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 11 – 1pm at Signal Mountain Baptist Church, funeral service to follow at 1 pm with Reverend Salley Ensley and Dr. Steven Wright officiating.
Interment will be on Monday at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted by Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. www.lanefh.com

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