Bud Eldridge Atkinson

Bud Eldridge Atkinson, longtime resident of Conyers, Georgia, passed away on June 13, 2026, with his family by his side, at the age of 86. A Stone Mountain native, Bud was born on November 19, 1939, to the late William B. Atkinson and Marjorie Juhan. He graduated from Stone Mountain High School in 1957.

For over five decades, Bud was the owner and operator of Atkinson Body Shop, a testament to his dedication, skill, and love for classic cars, particularly his passion for restoring 1960s Mustangs.

Beyond his career, Bud was often known as "The Georgia Song Writer," a title earned through his incredible gift of composing more than 6,700 Gospel songs, of which many were recorded. In his early twenties, he attended a revival service where he met the Lord Jesus, and this encounter inspired his lifelong commitment to sharing the message of his Savior. Through his music and a published devotional book, he continued to share his faith and encourage others, always giving God the glory.

Bud was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and also also found joy in rose gardening and spending time on his computer. He was a faithful member of Newton Baptist Church, where he worshiped, served, and shared his love for the Lord with others.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Atkinson; sister, Virginia Davenport; brother, Arthur Atkinson; and dear, long-time friend, Janice Waddell.

Survivors include his loving daughters and sons-in-law, Anita & Keith Gaddis, Michelle & Barry Smith, and Amy & Derek Kirbow. He was a devoted grandfather to April & Ryan Wiese, Shelby & Bryan Knoop, Luke Gaddis, Josh & Laney Kirbow, Seth & Jazmine Kirbow, and Eli Kirbow. His great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Emily, Barrett and Jacob Wiese, Oliver Knoop, Georgia Kirbow, and Lucia Kirbow, brought him immense happiness. Also surviving are his nephews, Billy Mullinex, Ken Mullenix, and Mark Atkinson, as well as numerous other relatives who were dear to him.

A graveside service will be held 11 o'clock, Thursday, June 18, at Fairview Memorial Gardens with Mr. James Nesmith officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Gideons International, gideons.org/donate, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.