Douglas Leon Atkins

Douglas Leon Atkins, of Knoxville, TN passed away on December 30 at the age of 85. He was born on May 8, 1930 near Humboldt, TN to the late Floyd Atkins and Emma Mae Hall Atkins. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia Arnold Atkins; his brother Royce Atkins and sister-in-law Jo Atkins and their children Tony and Beverly; his son Dalton Atkins and daughter-in-law Margaret Atkins; his sons Neil Atkins and Kent Atkins; his grandchildren Vanessa Atkins, Christopher Atkins, Jackie Atkins, Kristi Lewis; and his great-grandchildren Dalton X. Atkins and Parker Wren. He also leaves behind many life-long friends. Mr. Atkins is best known for his years as a member of the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team, as well as his 17 years in the Pro Football League. He was the Cleveland Browns number one draft pick in 1953 where he played for two years. He went on to play for the Chicago Bears for 12 years, and for the New Orleans Saints for 3 years before retiring. He was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1982, the Chicago Bears Hall of Fame, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. Funeral services for Mr. Atkins will be handled by Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home in Humboldt, TN (731) 784-1414. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 2, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Central time in the Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home Chapel 1641 Main Street Humboldt, TN 38343. A service will follow at 3:00 PM with Reverend Bill Rice officiating. Private Interment Services will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following: The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees' Assistance Fund which provides grants to benefit elected members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and their families in need of assistance.2121 George Halas Drive, NW Canton, OH 44708 HonorAire Knoxville which takes World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War Veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorial built in their honor at no cost to them.7536 Daggart Lane Knoxville, TN 37938. The charity of your choice. A Guest Register Book will be placed at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel and Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel for your convenience. Online obituary may be viewed and condolence extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Courtesy of Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

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Douglas Leon Atkins

May 8, 1930 - December 30, 2015