William Martin Atkins, Jr. 95, of Crisfield, died Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Crisfield on January 17, 1926, he was the son of the late William Martin Atkins, Sr. and Blanche Davis Cox Atkins.  He married his wife of 71 years, Marilyn Reese Atkins, on October 4, 1946, she preceded him in death on August 20, 2018.

Following the death of his father, young Martin quit school to help his Mother provide for their family.  At the age of 12, Martin, by that time known as "Junie", began his first job as a local waterman.  He later worked for C.D. Briddell's in Crisfield. In order to better provide for his family, he moved to Baltimore at the age of 16 and worked as a bookbinder in the Rosenbloom Inc. book factory. He was living on his own in Baltimore at the outbreak of World War II.

Martin enlisted in the US Navy on October 14, 1943 at age 17, serving during World War II aboard an LCI (G) in the Pacific Theater, and was discharged on December 28, 1945 with the rank of Gunner's Mate 3 rd Class.  Following his discharge from the US Navy he went back to work at Briddell's, then worked as a meat cutter at the American Store on Main Street. During this time he obtained his GED.  Martin continued to work as a meat cutter at American Store as they became ACME and Meatland, and was promoted to manager of the meat departments for all of the Eastern Shore Markets stores.  He retired as Vice President in charge of operations for Eastern Shore Markets. Martin enlisted in the US Army National Guard in 1947, he was the Company Commander of the 29th Division Company L, 115th Infantry Division, retiring as a Captain after 24 years of service in 1971.  He remained very active in the 29 th Division Association long after retirement.

He was very active and extremely devoted to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Marion Station, serving over the years as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Treasurer & Secretary of St. Paul's Vestry, and Cemetery Chairman.  He was also a member of the former VFW Post #8274, Stanley Cochrane Post #16 American Legion, and the Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044 where he was Exalted Ruler during the planning and erection of the new #1044 Elks building in its current location.

Martin and Marilyn enjoyed traveling the country, and snow birding with friends to St. Petersburg, FL in the winter months.  They also loved fishing and boating; some of their best memories were boat trips with the family to Old Island. His happiest memories were the times he spent with his family.

He is survived by his children, William Martin "Marty" Atkins, III of Snow Hill, and Mark Atkins and wife Maron, Linda Wilmer and husband Ken, Mike Atkins, and Lisa Kraus and husband Bill, all of Crisfield; brother, Terry Tyler and wife Barbara of Williamsburg, VA; sister-in-law, Peggy Atkins of Crisfield; grandchildren, Jeb Atkins and wife Rebecca, Josh Atkins and wife Casey, Andrea Dryden and husband Willis, Mark Atkins, Jr. and wife Lindsay, Allison Grove and husband Chris, Stacey Horsey and husband Richard, Stephanie Davenport and husband Chris, Aaron Atkins, Hannah Atkins, Noah Atkins, Adam Atkins, Ethan Atkins, Emily Atkins, Brad Kraus, Ryan Kraus, Jennifer Hammond and husband Andre, and Kelly Grundmeier; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond D. Atkins.

A celebration of life service officiated by Rev. Michael Lokey will be held Monday, December 27, 2021 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a visitation will be one hour prior.  Interment will follow in St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be sent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church "The Atkins Fund", (founded by Martin to provide support to those in need), P.O. Box 245, Marion Station, MD 21838.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com