Ray Atchison

Mr. Ray M. Atchison, age 91 of Homewood, AL went to be with the Lord May 28, 2013 after complications of a broken hip. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Walter Atchison; mother, Jessie Lee Barber Atchison; sister, Eleanor Atchison Williams; and wife of 61 years, Doris Teague Atchison. He is survived by his daughter, Faith (Jerry) Jansen of Kennesaw, Georgia; son, Paul (Linda) Atchison of Homewood, AL; grandsons, John Jansen, Taylor Jansen, Nick Atchison, and Chris Atchison, all of Homewood, AL. He was born and raised in Shelby County, Alabama and earned a BA degree from Howard College (Samford University). He served in the army for three years in Alaska during World War II. He then earned an MA degree in English from Peabody College (Vanderbilt University) and a PhD in English from Duke University. His 45 year career was as a professor of English at Samford University. He taught Sunday School and served as a deacon at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for many decades. He wrote a history of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church as well as other books. He was affectionately known by his grandsons as Ray-Ray and his hobbies were vegetable gardening and simple carpentry. His life was marked by a deep love for his Lord and for other people, as is testified by many who knew him. A private family service will be held for his burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South on June 2, 2013. Ray would want any memorial contributions to be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama or Towne View Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia.