James Atkinson Obituary

Greenville has lost a true character! James Thomas Atkinson of Greenville, SC, passed away on February 3, 2026, with his family at his side. He was 88 years old. Born on July 25, 1937, to Thomas Benson and Jessie Mae Sullivan Atkinson of Six Mile, SC, Tom forever loved this small-town, mountain area. His family often joked that "you can take the man out of Six Mile, but you can't take the Six Mile out of the man." There he learned the values of working hard, saving money and playing often. At an early age, he raised chickens and sold eggs at the Atkinson farm. He loved sharing stories with his children, especially those about the out-house and using the Sears catalog.

At age 5, his mother passed away from leukemia, so he lived with his grandparents until his father married Louise Campbell. Tom spent the next ten years at West Gantt school where his father was principal. Later, he transferred to Greenville High School and met the love of his life, Sherry Jones. They were married for 67 years. He graduated from Furman University, earned his DDS from the Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency at Children's Hospital in Washington, DC.

In 1965, Dr. Atkinson opened offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC, and was affectionately known by his patients and staff as Dr. A. His was the first specialty pediatric dental practice in South Carolina. Dr. A was the author of several articles on pediatric dentistry published by the Dental Clinics of North America, the Journal of Dentistry for Children and the International Journal of Orthodontics. He practiced in Greenville until his illness-related retirement at age 59.

Dr. A was an innovator and pioneer in the early orthodontic treatment of cleft palates and a consultant to several cleft palate institutes. He was on staff at Children's Hospital, Washington, DC, at Greenville Hospital System and St. Francis Hospital and held visiting staff privileges at MCV Hospital and MUSC Hospital. He also served at Shriner's Hospital where he was head of dental services for almost 25 years. He served on myriad professional committees and boards including Greenville County Dental Society, Piedmont District Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Dr. A also served as president of the South Carolina Association of Pedodontists, International Academy of Orthodontics and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry where he received the Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. A was a Mason and Shriner who also served in various civic and business organizations: Greenville Jaycees, Optimist Society, Furman University Paladin Club and Richard Furman Society. An active member of the Greenville County Club for over 50 years, he enjoyed golf everywhere he played. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, where he was a senior deacon, taught Sunday School, and coached girls basketball. He and Sherry were longtime members of the Seminar-Corder Sunday school class. He was an early member of the Knotty Pine Music Club, a social club that only occasionally discussed music. Teaching became a favorite hobby, so after retirement he taught several classes at Furman University's Learning in Retirement program and tutored at Viola Street Ministries, Sara Collins Elementary School and the Tamassee DAR School in Salem, SC. One of his most enjoyable memberships was in the Executive Sertoma Club where he remained active until days before his death.

In his heyday, his alter-ego looked like Conway Twitty and rode a bike like James Dean. Whether at Greenville Country Club or Hoyett's Bait & Tackle, he never met a stranger. His wife knew him as faithful and loyal, always the protector and provider. His community knew him to be larger than life, shedding tears of laughter every time he told a good joke. His children knew him to be thrifty, resourceful and extremely comfortable in his own skin. A favorite lesson was to "save them doll-yar bills" by making household repairs with duct tape and epoxy, whether those materials were called for or not.

Tom loved his family, friends, church, Lake Jocassee, Furman University and Gamecock athletics. He is survived by his wife Sherry Jones Atkinson, his children James Thomas Atkinson, Jr. (Karen), Tara Atkinson Hays (Dev), Paul Atkinson (Susan); his grandchildren James Thomas Atkinson, III, Katie Atkinson Uberti, Ashleigh Hays, Cooper Atkinson, Mason Atkinson; and his great-grandchildren Ellie and James Uberti. He was the family's "Big Daddy!" His philanthropic legacy includes sustaining gifts to Furman University and FBC Greenville. When asked how he was doing he often replied, "Everything is copacetic!" Indeed, Big Daddy, we are certain everything is copacetic, and you are heaven's character now.

Visitation will be held from 9:45 a.m until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at First Baptist Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601. The funeral will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Memorials in lieu of flowers: First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or Cancer Survivors Park Alliance, PO Box 9428, Greenville, SC 29604

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Dr. A. with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory."