Charles "Charlie" Atkins, 78, took Jesus hand and left his earthy shell behind on April 7, 2022 in Oklahoma City after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born February 28, 1944 to Everett and Bernice (Compton) Atkins. He married Eileen Kliewer of Fairview, Oklahoma on January 22, 1966. He received a bachelors degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He was a proud veteran of the National Security Agency of the US Army, serving at Shemya, Alaska and at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. He then worked at Central Sales Promotions Inc in Oklahoma (in later years called Semasys) for 28 years as a commercial artist and later in their in-store sales advertising department. He also worked as the advertising manager of the Baptist Messenger, the Oklahoma Baptist state paper. After retirement he loved to do woodworking in his backyard shop, ride his red Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, camp at area lakes in his camper, help Disaster Relief (of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma) and play his banjo with "Just Because", a gospel bluegrass group from First Baptist Church of Bethany, that entertained at local nursing homes. As ALS stole his movement he spent a great deal of time in his wheelchair at his computer using his eyes to type and keep up with family and friends on Facebook and e-mail. He could be heard chuckling about "funnies" he received and faithfully passing them on to other friends. Life wasnt easy for him the last couple of years, but he always had a smile or "smart" comment for friends and family. He courageously faced life with disabilities with a smile and grace. He was an active member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Bethany. He loved his wife of 56 years, Eileen and his family, son, Kevin Atkins, and daughter, Kimberly Beard and her husband, James. He also loved his four grandchildren, Hannah Sloan, David Beard, Leah Beard and Kelli Beard and 3 great-grandchildren, Jayce, Otis, & Noah. Charlie also has 2 sisters, Charlene Long and husband Cleon, and Fran Kiser and husband Mike. The family sends a special thanks to the Oklahoma City VA, First Light Home Care and Russell Murray Hospice for their help in caring for Charlie over the last few months, and the ALS division of the MDA for their special support. A special viewing with the family present will be held Sunday, April 10th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. A celebration of Charlies life will be held at First Baptist Church of Bethany on Tuesday, April 12, at 10:00 AM. Charlie chose to be buried at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma. . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Sunday, April 10, 2022 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Sunday 11am-8pm and Monday 8am-8pm Funeral Service First Baptist Church of Bethany Tuesday, April 12, 2022 10:00 AM 3800 N Mueller Ave. Bethany, OK: Oklahoma 73008 Interment in Fort Sill National Cemetery at 2:00 PM