ATHENS- Charles G. Atkins, 85, of Athens, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Hudson, OH, after several falls and complications from Parkinson’s. He was born July 4, 1939 in Stambaugh, MI to Howard and Bernice Atkins. He was proud to have entered the world on the nation’s birthday, and on the same day Lou Gehrig made his famous farewell address at Yankee Stadium.
Although born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (and a proud Yooper), Dr. Atkins was raised in Clio, MI, north of Flint. He graduated Clio Area High School as valedictorian in 1957. He received his BA degree from Albion College in 1961, attended the University of Michigan Medical School from 1960-1962, and earned a M.S. in Biology from Eastern Michigan University in 1963. From 1963 to 1966, he was an instructor at Coe College, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a lecturer in genetics at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He was awarded a Ph.D. in genetics from North Carolina State University in 1969.
Ohio University hired Dr. Atkins in 1969 to teach genetics and microbiology. In 1976, he became Associate Dean for Basic Sciences for the newly established College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUCOM), a position he held for 14 years. He subsequently returned to teaching and in 1999 became Associate Professor Emeritus of Genetics and Biomedical Sciences in the OUCOM.
Dr. Atkins served 11 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel, acting as a clinical laboratory officer and officer-in charge of the Athens station of the 2291 U.S. Army Hospital. During the First Gulf War, he was on active duty in Petersburg, VA.
The community of Athens was very important to him. He thoroughly enjoyed serving as a Boy Scout scoutmaster for many years; was an elder with First Presbyterian Church, and a member of both the Athens Rotary Club and Rotary International. He served on the Southside Park Committee (1975-78) and played in the “over 30” softball league. Dr. Atkins loved the outdoors and was happiest there; whether in his younger days camping, canoeing, sailing and fishing, or in later years, enjoying the view from his deck near Fox Lake.
His three children survive him: Karla Atkins (Ben Ghaffari) of Berryville, VA, Jamie Atkins (Laura) of Twinsburg, OH; and Robert Atkins, D.O. (Carmen) of Greenup, KY; as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two stepsons, Joel Welling of Pittsburgh, PA and Loren Welling (Sophia) of Sanyi, Taiwan, also remain. His first wife, Kay Atkins, resides in Cincinnati, OH.
Besides his parents, Dr. Atkins was preceded in death by his second wife, Pat Brooks; his sister, Dorothy Atkins; and his stepdaughter, Karen Brooks Welling.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine scholarship fund. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
