Robert Lacy Atkinson Sr

Robert Lacy Atkinson, Sr., 79, of Mossyrock, went home to be with his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ Saturday, January 23, 2021. Robert was born June 20, 1941, in Caperton,
West Virginia, to Leonard Newton and Hazel May (McCormick) Atkinson. He graduated
from Crichton High School in Quinwood, West Virginia in 1959. After working a half day
in the coal mines, he said, ‘I borrowed $20 from a neighbor, stuck out my thumb, and
headed West.”
Robert led a full and interesting life. As an adult, he traveled all across the United States
building malls. He loved playing all types of guitars- his favorite was the Bass, and
several times played backup for Johnny Cash and Bobby Goldsborough; earned his
Associates at WSU; was a guest on Star Search; and later, became an established
Gospel singer with several well-known songs, including ‘I Have a Heritage and 10000
Angels Cried’.
Robert believed in God, but was not Saved until shortly after his sister, Betty. One day,
while he was standing in a field, a gust of wind blew the pages of the Bible he was
holding to Psalm 96:1 ‘Sing unto the Lord a new song.” He then had a vision of the field
full of wheat, and heard the voice of the Lord telling him that many would come to Him
through Robert.
He married his love, Marie, April 15, 2008, at his nephew’s home in Longview,
Washington. His sister, Betty performed the ceremony. His brother started a church in
Rainelle, West Virginia, so the two moved back there, to help with the start up of the
church where Robert served as Music Director. He was an ordained minister and was
blessed to perform the wedding ceremonies of one of his granddaughters, as well as
his step daughter.
Robert adored his family and cherished the times he spent with them. He loved his dogs
and cats, too. Robert loved to sing- music was his release from the troubles in life, and
he often would find a place to play his background tapes and sing, no matter where he
was. It is fitting that when Robert took his final breath, the song he wrote when his father
in law was extremely ill, ‘The Angels Rejoice When a Soul Is Born in Heaven,’ was
playing.
Robert was preceded in death by one of his sons, Jeremy; his parents; and his brother,
James.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie; children, Theresa, Robert Jr., Kevin, Jason, and
Jeffery and several step children; sisters, Betty Logsdon and Carolyn White; many
grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his beloved dogs, Emily and Coal.
His family would like to thank those who bathed them in prayer for these many months.
They would also like to thank Assured Hospice and Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel for making
this difficult time easier.