Clifford Atkinson, Jr.

Mr. Clifford Atkinson, Jr., 66, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Emanuel Medical Center.

Clifford was born June 27, 1957, in Swainsboro to the late Clifford Atkinson, Sr. and Katie Pearl Tanner Atkinson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dianne Atkinson; son, Johnny Atkinson; brother, Randall Atkinson.

Born and raised in Nunez, Ga, He grew up with five brothers. Randall Sr., HB, Charles, Curtis, and Bobby. Most of his younger life was spent in Nunez. He worked hard to help care for his family. He worked cropping cotton and tobacco in his early teen years. At the age of seventeen he built his first house, which started with his love for wood. He was an expert carpenter owning his own business "Atkinson Construction" for more than 35 years. He also was a part of HLJ Enterprises.

He married the love of his life Dianne Bedgood in 1983. They have three strong willed children Wendy, Jessica & Jason. Throughout his lifetime his greatest love was his family.

Clifford loved horseback riding and going to horse sales, he also enjoyed wrestling, quite often he would do it with his family. He loved spending time with his family.

He loved his children with all his heart and was their number 1 fan in all their life adventures.

His greatest love besides his children was his grandchildren. He always tried to attend and be a part of all their activities.

He loved spending time with all his family. He was blessed with an enormously large family. He loved his nieces and nephews like his own children. In his lifetime he took care of many of his children's friends like they were his own children.

He was a Deacon at Trinity Baptist.

To a lot of people, he was known as Cliff. He was presented with a tough exterior but was a huge teddy bear with lots of love to offer. He was full of love and would go above and beyond for anyone. However, when he spoke firm, you knew he meant business.

He was a wonderful man full of love!!

Survivors include his son, Jason Atkinson (Lindsey) of Swainsboro; daughters, Wendy Bell (Jamey) and Jessica Hopkins, both of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Abrianna Ahrens, Harley Ahrens, Timothy Bell (Lexi), Savannah Bell, Abby Hopkins, Hunter Goddard, Jeslyn Hooks, Ella Atkinson, Brelynn Atkinson, Wrangler Atkinson, Ryder Atkinson, Zaydan Guiterrez Atkinson, Austin Bray, Kylie Phillips, Kaisley Phillips, Cameron Phillips;  great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Bell; brothers, Curtis Atkinson, Charles Atkinson, Bobby Atkinson, all of Swainsboro; H. B. Atkinson of Macon; special niece, Crystal Atkinson of Swainsboro; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Brad McKenzie officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Chapman Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Chris Atkinson, Cody Atkinson, Randall Atkinson, John Atkinson, Ronnie Bedgood and Roger McKenzie.

Honorary Pallbearers will be David Landrum, Jerry Hall, Andy "Oodie" Edenfield, and Johnathan Johnson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Clifford Atkinson, 66, of Swainsboro.