Mr. Clarence Ray Atkinson, age 95 of the Wayside Community, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at his residence. Mr. Atkinson was born in Fayette County, Alabama in the Sandy Hollow Community on April 24, 1927 to Bascome Poole and Donnie Edwards Atkinson.

Mr. Atkinson was a member of the Winfield Freewill Baptist Church, American Legion #100, Fraternal Order of Police, and Winfield Masonic Lodge #304. He was a United States Army Veteran serving in World War II and in the Korean War. Clarence was stationed in Germany during WWII and was assigned guard duty of top Nazi officials at the Nuremberg Trials. During the Korean conflict, he was wounded in combat and there honorably discharged. Mr. Atkinson served in law enforcement as a police officer for over 38 years; serving in Winfield, Sheffield, Fayette, and finally for the city of Guin as Police Chief for 14 years and until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially quail hunting with his buddy, Preston Lyons.

Mr. Atkinson is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary Ruth Atkinson, his son, Byron Atkinson and his wife Shirley, grandchildren, Nathan Atkinson (Kathy), Emily Sexton (Keith) and Josh Atkinson (Susan), great grandchildren, Whit Sexton and Jackson Sexton, sister -in-law, Norma Atkinson and a host of nieces, nephews, church family and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Nellie Reese and her husband David, Margie Humber her husband Elton, Jantis Atkinson and his wife Vernie, Samuel Atkinson and his wife Snow, and B. P. Atkinson.

Funeral services for Mr. Atkinson will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Old Union Cemetery with Military Honors being presented at the graveside. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. service time at the funeral home.

Mr. Atkinson was well known and loved by so many friends and relatives; he will be sorely missed.