Elbert “Bay” Atkins Sr. was born on July 19, 1936, in Jackson, Mississippi, the only child of Ben and Josephine Atkins. He was an expressive storyteller, a beloved father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, nephew, cousin, friend, and a fatherly mentor to many. He departed this life on March 20, 2026.

Elbert Sr. moved with his family from Jackson to Memphis, Tennessee, where he grew up and later attended Booker T. Washington High School. There he was an excellent math student and developed strong woodworking skills. After high school, he and several friends joined together, and wanting to see the world, they joined the United States Army. He served as a Military Police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and frequently shared lessons and stories from his service with his children throughout his life.

After completing his honorable military service, Elbert returned to Memphis, where a friend introduced him to Nelle Cleveland. They married on September 10, 1960, and to this union seven children were born. Elbert and Nelle were married for 42 years until her passing in 2002. Later, Elbert was introduced to widow Betty Jean Murray through one of his daughter’s friends in Chattanooga. They were married for 9 1/2 years until her death in 2021.

Elbert was a true family man who loved cars, driving, and taking road trips. Each summer, he gathered his children around the kitchen table, spread out a map, pointed to a location, and announced their next family adventure. His love for travel took the family to destinations across the country, including Washington, D.C., the St. Louis Arch, Detroit and Canada, and the Disney World theme park in Florida.

His strong work ethic and woodworking skill led him first to Ivers & Pond, a Boston-based piano company with a facility in Memphis known for its elegant, high-quality instruments. The final stages of piano-making required careful craftsmanship—an ideal match for Elbert’s hands-on skill and attention to detail.

Elbert later moved to International Harvester, a manufacturer of heavy farming equipment, where he spent the bulk of his career as a laborer. He became a proud and active member of the United Auto Workers Union, modeling for his family the importance of showing up on time, doing your job well, and contributing fully—sometimes by working double shifts. He completed his career as a Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Memphis at Mud Island, a popular riverfront attraction. His ability to repair and maintain equipment earned him the respect and admiration of both leadership and staff.

Elbert accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. As an adult, he later joined Pentecostal Evangelist Church of God in Christ and Powerhouse Ministries in Memphis, where he was affectionately known as “Dad Atkins” due to his warm, fatherly presence. During his later years in Chattanooga, he was a member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Seven children:

David L. Atkins (Wonda),

Harriett M. Jackson,

Deborah R. Goodrich (Forrester Jr.),

Nelle D. Freeman (Kelvin Sr.),

Elbert “Chip” Atkins Jr. (Karen),

Karen M. Campbell (Charles),

Kimberly M. Carter (Darren)

Four stepchildren:

Greg Murray (Pearl),

Alicia Diane Parks,

Anthony Murray (deceased),

Valerie Evans (deceased)

Grandchildren: 16 (one granddaughter, Pier Jackson, deceased)

Great‑grandchildren: 8

He also leaves behind a host of cousins, friends, and the many individuals he mentored with his fatherly wisdom.

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