Ron Atkins

Ron Atkins, a.k.a. Santa Claus, 70, of Greer, began worshipping at the feet of Jesus on Thursday, January 21, 2021, after succumbing to Covid-19. Born in Tryon, North Carolina on June 21, 1950, to the late James Hayden and Nellie McCraw Atkins, he lived most of his life in the Gowensville Community. Ron graduated from Landrum High School and worked with machine maintenance. He was a retired employee of Mitsubishi, and a devoted member of Gowensville First Baptist Church for more than fifty years, where he enjoyed working with children in Awana as well as talking and praying with those taking part in the monthly Second Saturday community meal food ministry. He considered members of the Branyon-Godseekers Sunday School Class his second family. Ron enjoyed classic car events, cheering for the USC Gamecocks, listening to gospel music and relaxing in the Smokey Mountains with his family. Known for his joyful nature, generosity, gregarious personality and active Christian faith, Ron took pleasure in sharing his love of Jesus with others. During the Christmas season, he assumed the persona of Santa Claus and delighted in having children pull his real white beard. As Santa Claus in Landrum and at numerous other locations he shared his message of the true meaning of Christmas. Surviving are his wife, Victoria “Vicki” Wofford Johnson Atkins of the home; children, Anitra Fortney (Doug) of Greer, Brent Atkins of Greer, Kayla Atkins (Teddy Savoca) of Summerville, Heather Atkins (Andruw Taylor) of Easley; Evan Johnson (Brittany) of Williamston and Adam Johnson (Lanna) of Anderson; three sisters, Cheryl Anderson (Mike) of Landrum, Pennie Dyches (Ted) of West Columbia and Dale Bennett (Ron) of Landrum; a brother-in-law, Brad Wofford (Susie) of Aynor; five grandchildren, Hayden Foxx, Sarah Foxx, Adleigh Atkins, Evan Atkins and Dani Grace Johnson; and his beloved nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his wife, Mary McKee Atkins and one daughter, Andrea Atkins. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Gowensville First Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by Pastor Josh Phillips and Pastor Bruce Schmidt. The family respectfully requests that guests wear masks and observe social distancing. The family is at the home. The family would like to thank the staff at the Greer Memorial and North Greenville Prisma Hospitals for their constant care during Ron’s hospitalization. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gowensville First Baptist Church c/o Children’s Playground Fund, 5650 N. Highway 14, Landrum, SC 29356. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Ron Atkins

June 21, 1950 - January 21, 2021