Donald Ray Atkins, 74, of Caledonia, MS, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at his residence.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, Columbus, MS with Bro. Melvin Howton officiating and Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Atkins was born May 27, 1942, to Elbert Lee and Vena Stockman Atkins in Vernon, AL. He was a truck driver for Royal Trucking Company for about 35 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-David Atkins; and sister-Judith Atkins.

Mr. Atkins is survived by his lifelong friend-Mary Beth Winders, Caledonia, MS; daughters-Pam (Johnny Lowery) Atkins, Caledonia, MS; Zarina (Danny) Wylie, Cave Junction, OR; son-Donnie (Patty) Atkins, Guyton, GA; brother-Danny (Zarina) Atkins, Caledonia, MS; 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association, P. O. Box 16808, Jackson, MS 39236 or American Diabetes Association, 16 Northtown Drive, Jackson, MS 39211.

The family wishes to express special thanks to caregiver Diane Perry and daughter Candace, Gentiva Hospice, Baptist Hospice, Brad and Brett Brown, Barton Williams, Gideons.