Billy Eugene "Doc" Atkins

Billy Eugene Atkins “Doc”, age 76, a lifelong resident and educator of Tellico Plains, TN passed away on October 6, 2021. “Doc” was an educator in Monroe County for nearly 50 yrs.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Conner Atkins; daughter, Teri D. Atkins Brown, spouse David; son, Jeffery Aaron Atkins; sister, Judy Atkins Caughron, spouse Ronnie; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray Conner and Debi Greene Conner; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Kinley and Marilyn Atkins; brother, Mike Atkins; and grandparents Pastor Joe William Atkins, Sallie Roberts Atkins and Flossie Smith Thomas.

Bill was born in Knoxville and graduated from Tellico Plains High School. He attended classes at Hiwassee, Yale, University of Arkansas, and the University of Tennessee. He graduated with an Associates Degree from Hiwassee College, and his Masters and Doctorates are from UTK. Bill married his college sweetheart Virginia on February 14, 1966. He sang in several church choirs and even toured with gospel music with his wife and kids in surrounding counties.

Bill enjoyed being a teacher, guidance counselor, librarian and principal at Tellico Plains High School. He also enjoyed working at Vonore High and being principal at Sequoyah High School. He eventually became a Vo-Tech teacher, home bound student teacher and the director of Special Education for Monroe County. He also ran for community offices while overseeing several small businesses. Bill worked with the White House on Veteran’s Affairs issues for over 25 years and was currently working on a new community museum for Hiwassee College. His hobbies included hot rod and muscle car shows, photography and worldwide travel. He will be deeply missed by his friends, students and family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, October 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Myers Funeral Home at 315 Scott Street, Tellico Plains, TN. Visitation will follow the service until 6:00 p.m. Rev. Kevin Miller will officiate. We invite those whose lives he may have positively touched, to share a story or poem at the service if they wish. The family requests masks and social distancing.