William Robert “Bobby” Atkinson is best remembered as being a fierce competitor who gave his best—Always 100 percent. He was one of Atlantic Christian’s best all-around athletes who lettered in basketball, baseball, and track. He was named as the College’s “Most Outstanding Athlete” in 1960.
He played junior varsity basketball 1957-59 and varsity basketball 1959-61; was a member of the varsity baseball team, 1958-61; and the varsity track team, 1959-60. He played professional baseball with the Wilson Tobs in 1961.
Atkinson graduated from AC in 1961 later from ECU. He began teaching and served as an administrator in the N.C. public school, 1962-69; served with the N.C. division of Youth Services, 1969-85; was business manager for the N.C. School for the Deaf, Wilson, 1985, and was assistant administrator for the Juvenile Services Division of the Administrative Offices of the Courts, 1985-86.He became vice president and general manager of Dail Enterprises, Inc. in 1987. He was the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Executive Excellence in 1984.
He and his wife, the former Mary Jo Daniel, Make their home in Garner. They have a son, William Robert Jr.
