Willard F. Atkinson

Willard "Bill" Atkinson, born June 14, 1940, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  Bill's life was a testament to love, service, and passion for family and the open road.

Bill shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Anne Atkinson. Together, they raised a close-knit family and built a lifetime of cherished memories. He is survived by his  brother Dennis Atkinson and his wife Susan of Blakeslee PA his daughters Kathleen Atkinson of Lansdale, Michele Santillo, Elizabeth Schmidt and her husband, Michael Schmidt Sr., of Harleysville. He is also survived by his son, William Atkinson, and his wife, Kendra, of Myerstown Pa. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mary Ellen Atkinson DeLong, formerly of Daytona Beach, FL.

Bill took immense pride in his family, including his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren along with his many nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran, Bill served honorably in the United States Army on the DMZ, in Korea. His commitment to his country and fellow servicemembers was a defining part of his life.

Bill was a skilled union bricklayer with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 for over 30 years.  Bill left a lasting legacy of craftsmanship in every structure he touched. Beyond his work, he had a lifelong passion for hot rods and classic cars. Bill loved the thrill of the open road, whether cruising in a restored classic or sharing stories about the beauty and power of vintage automobiles. He was one of the  founding member of Cedar Hollow Timing Association and a member of the Gasket Goons car club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill's honor to the VFW of Lansdale Post 32, supporting the veterans he deeply admired and served alongside.

A celebration of Bill's incredible life will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd from 9:00am-11:00am at Huff and Lakjer Funeral home in Lansdale, PA with an internment to follow on Wednesday, April 23. Interment services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA, beginning promptly at 1:45pm.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest in peace, Bill. May the engines always roar, and the road always stretch ahead of you.

Funeral arrangements are by Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, PA.