More detail on this person: William "Bill" Atkinson, 79, of Pensacola, Forida, took his final flight on June 13, 2025. Born in Rhode Island August 6th, 1945, Bill enlisted in the army after graduating from Tolman High School in 1964. Bill was introduced to aviation by his father, Arthur, a USAF pilot and WWII veteran. That inspiration led Bill to a 23-year career as an Army aviator. He flew two combat tours in Vietnam with the 4th Inf Div and the 1st Cav Div AM, B/Company, 228th Avn Bn, held numerous assignments across the US, Europe, and Korea, logging more than 5,000 flight hours, and served as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, AL, and Fort Wolters, TX. Reflecting on Bill's impact, a student recalled, "He taught us well enough that we're still here." Before joining the Army, Bill had an interest in art and drawing which he picked up again after retirement. He eventually tried oil painting, and it quickly became his preferred medium. Bill found inspiration in aviation, wildlife, the sea, the mountains, and portraiture-all themes reflected in his work. His pieces are featured in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum, and El Paso Int'l Airport. Bill was a member of the VHPA, the 1st Cavalry Division Association, the Army Aviation Association of America, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, and the American Society of Aviation Artists. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sherry Ann Atkinson; daughter Amanda; son Ryan and daughter-in-law Julie; and three cherished grandchildren - Dylan, Ben, and Alexandra. He will be fondly remembered as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, a caring brother, skilled pilot, gifted artist, and a treasured brother-in-arms.
This information was last updated 09/24/2025
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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