Wesley Edward Atkinson

Wesley Edward Atkinson was born on New Year’s Day 1946. Wesley, or as some knew him, “Wimpy” went home to Heaven on October 29, 2026 at the age of 80 years old.

Wesley worked for Poly-Scientific in Blacksburg, Virginia for a few years before taking a job in the Agriculture Department at Virginia Tech. Wesley retired from Virginia Tech with over 35 years of service. After retirement Wesley worked on Small Engines in his garage at home in his spare time. Wesley also loved Muscle Cars; his favorite was his 1967 Pontiac GTO. In his younger days he raced Go-Carts. Wesley loved spending time with family and friends and telling some great stories. As well as watching Nascar.  Wesley also loved being outdoors, cutting wood, hunting , and gardening at his home and ole homeplace.

Wesley was pre-deceased by his mother Lula Keith Atkinson; father Alton Atkinson; brother, Kenneth Keith; sister, Phyllis Keith Light; as well as his special uncle Arthur Atkinson, who was more of a father figure than an uncle. Wesley was also pre-deceased by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Wesley is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara Atkinson; daughter Julie Frank & Chuck; step-daughter Connie Havens & Tony; grandson Tyler Brookman; great-grandaughter Ila Brookman; nephews Mike Light, and Brian Keith; nieces Sarah Benson, Cymiric Yarbraugh, and Lee Ann Keith. Also surviving is his canine best friend Buddy(Terrier mix) who was always by his side.

The family will receive visitors at Horne Funeral Home on Wednesday November 4 from 5pm - 7pm. There will be a Funeral Service for Wesley at Horne Funeral Home on Thursday November 5 at 11 am, with burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens following the service.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Wesley’s special neighbors Jay and Becky Nagle; as well as special friends Donnie Bell, Adam Kroll, Gary Ford, and Tony Adkins, as well as many other friends. In addition the family is appreciative of the Carillion NRV Medical Center nurses in the ICU, as well as the Hospice nurses that helped to make Wesley more comfortable.

The family also thanks Horne Funeral Home, and Roselawn Memorial Gardens for their assistance.

In Lieu of flowers, Wesley’s family requests that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in the name of Wesley’s wife Barbara Atkinson.