Atkinson, James Lenard

Ivor, Virginia
James Lenard Atkinson, 86, passed away Friday, August 17, 2007 at Sentara Norfolk Hospital. A native of Southampton County, Virginia he was the son of the late John Conley Atkinson and Bettie Bailey Atkinson. Lenard served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and three Battle Stars. He owned and operated a service station in Ivor known as The Echo Room from 1946 until he retired in 1992. He was a well known musician and many gathered weekly at The Echo Room to play music for many years. He was a past member and former Fire Chief of the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leah Britt Atkinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in the Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield, Virginia. Interment with military rites will follow in Ivor Cemetery, Ivor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. and at other times at the home of Joyce and Earnest Turner, 8461 Main St., Ivor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ivor Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 213, Ivor, Virginia 23866. Condolences may be posted on our website at www.jtmorriss.com.