Timothy Patrick Atkins

Timothy Patrick Atkins passed away ever so peacefully encircled by his family on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the age of 54.
Tim was honest, hardworking, and selfless. He tirelessly provided for his family and continues to do so even in death. He was a considerate, loving, and patient husband and father. He always tried to make life easier for those he loved, especially his wife. He was curious and creative, always eager to learn something new. He was funny, quick-witted, and loved to laugh.
Tim spent his early years in Arizona and California with his two sisters, Roxanne and Heather. He loved to be outside and was always on his bike, on his skateboard, or hiking the hills around their home.
At the age of 17, Tim enlisted in the Army and spent the next 15 years serving in Germany, Korea, and the United States in Kentucky and California. He was proud to have served in the 3rd Battalion of the 187th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Rakkasans, the US Army's most decorated unit. During the course of his service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant.
Engrained with a strong sense of duty, he continued to serve his community as a Detention Officer with the Garland Police Department. During his 20-year career he was twice awarded Detention Officer of the Year for his outstanding and dedicated service. He rose up through the ranks to become the first civilian Detention Manager.
To say he was a car enthusiast would be to undersell his passion. He loved Trophy Trucks and the sport of Desert Racing. He transformed his factory truck into a customized PreRunner, teaching himself to weld so he could fabricate parts that he needed. He entered and won his class in several local car shows with his pride and joy. His enthusiasm was not limited to 4-wheeled vehicles as he loved to be on his downhill mountain bike with the fresh breeze in his face and the promise of adventure to be had.
Tim was not a man of many words, but the words he spoke were meaningful. Over the years many people have known Tim in their own way. Everyone has a version of Tim that they remember, but they seem to share a common theme: a strong sense of duty and willingness to lend a helping hand. Though he was reserved with a responsible and sometimes stoic demeanor, he loved to laugh and had a mischievous smile. He could often be found playing the jokester and loved nothing more than a great prank.
Tim is survived by his loving wife, his life partner of 25 years, Jacquelyn, and his four sons: Leif, Devon, Jacob, and Aidan. He is preceded in death by his mother, Gail, and his grandmother, Dorothy.
Memorial service to be held at Charles W. Smith Funeral home 2925 Fifth Street, Sachse, TX, on November 26, 2022, at Noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tim's name to Buddy League (www.buddyleague.org), an inclusive baseball league for special needs children in Garland, TX.
Please share any thoughts or memories of Tim in the memory book or directly with his family at atkins2414@gmail.com. Tim's wife and family will forever treasure these memories.