Robert Garner Atkinson, Sr. (64) of Florence, South Carolina passed away on May 24, 2023. He passed away at home surrounded by family and friends. Robert was born on February 22, 1959 in Columbia, South Carolina to Bennie Garner Atkinson and Jaronie "Jay" Woodberry Atkinson. He was the youngest of 3 children. He was very close with his sisters, Dawn Atkinson of Marion, SC and Renee White of Wrens, GA. He graduated from Britton's Neck High School, class of 1977. After high school, he went to Florence Darlington Tech and received an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering. With his degree, he immediately went to work for the nuclear power plant and retired from Duke Energy after 40 years. Robert was a loving father to his two sons, Robert "Bert" Garner Atkinson, Jr (Jessica Atkinson) and Derek Simon Atkinson (Taylor Rogers). His grandchildren were his pride and joy; Robert "Garner" Atkinson III (16), Jack Parker Atkinson (11), Keva Grace Atkinson (7), Raylee Jay Atkinson (5), and Bennie Lee Atkinson (2). Robert enjoyed spending time with Dana Mayes of Florence, SC, his girlfriend of 10 years, whom he greatly loved. In addition to his mother, sisters, sons, daughters-in-law, girlfriend and grandchildren, he is survived by his nephew Blake White of Lawrenceville, GA, nephew Jonathan Atkinson of Mullins, SC, niece Megan Wilson (Ben) and children of Wrens, GA, and nephew Brian Atkinson (Jamie) of Hartsville, SC. He was preceded in death by his father in 2020. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 27th at 10:00 am at Nebo Baptist Church Cemetery in Gresham, SC, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice, 1203 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506 or www.mcleodhealth.org/foundation.