CHARLES A. ATKINSON, 93, of Ripley, West Virginia, formerly of Roane County, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at Jackson General Hospital, Ripley on December 10, 2016. Charles was the first son of the late Oma and Hazel Roberts Atkinson, born August 7, 1923 on Middle Fork of Reedy, West Virginia. He was always known to have a smile and was a friend to many. A veteran of the US Army during World War II, Charlie drove a tank as a T-4 in the European Theatre under Patton's Third Army, helping liberate five countries. He joined the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was discharged as Master Sergeant. He was proud of his service and was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and is in the West Virginia Voting Hall of Fame for consecutive years voting. A retired farmer, he is still fondly remembered for giving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren tractor rides. Charles retired from Kaiser Aluminum in 1983 where he had worked for 23 years nine months and ten days. He was a member of the Peniel Community Church. He enjoyed the service and fellowship and considered everyone there part of his family. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Kathy Harris Atkinson of Ripley and her daughter, Sara Beth Harris; his devoted son, Michael of Ripley; and his grandchildren, Erin, Graham, Sydney and Drew of Colorado and Christa of North Carolina; and great-grandchildren, Kira, Helena, Ansel, Cadel and Mizan. Also surviving Charles are his sister, Phyllis King Harlan of Ripley; sister-in-law, Carolyn Atkinson of Ohio; nieces and nephews, James and Stephen King of Ripley, Jane Beth Page and Ron Atkinson of North Carolina, Carrie Brezinski of Athens, West Virginia, Jo Ann Nichols and Mary Pappas of Ohio; and many first cousins in the Martin Atkinson family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mildred "Millie" Lowe Atkinson; eldest son, Charles "Chuck" of Ripley; brothers, Darrell and Dr. Bill; and an infant sister, Rita Jean. Visitation will be at the TAYLOR-VANDALE FUNERAL HOME, Spencer, West Virginia on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 3:00 to 5:00pm and on Sunday an hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Sunday, December 18, 2016 with Rev. Tim Couch officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Peniel with military honors accorded by members of his American Legion hall. Fellowship and food will be served at the Peniel Community Church following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Peniel Community Church, c/o Rev. Tim Couch, 897 Steele Hollow Road, Spencer WV 25276.