Gary W. Atkins' Obituary
ATKINS, Gary, age 41, of Dayton, Ohio (formerly of Waynesville), passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by love.
Born and raised in Waynesville, Gary graduated with the Waynesville High School Class of 2003, where he played in the band and kicked off a lifelong love of country music and Alabama football. Roll Tide, forever. He was a proud member of Wellspring Baptist Church in Waynesville.
If you knew Gary, you knew someone real. He was spunky, outspoken, and a natural jokester. He never sugarcoated a thing, and his family wouldn’t have wanted him any other way. He was full of fire and full of heart. Gary was also a gifted chef who loved cooking for others. He was happiest at the grill or tending to his smoker, where he made unforgettable ribs and steaks, always with pride and plenty to share.
Family meant everything to him. He treasured fishing trips to Spring Valley with his grandma and summer days swimming at the Wilson Park pool. One of his favorite traditions was the family reunion, where he’d catch up with his cousins, light a bonfire, go mudding, and sleep out under the stars. Gary knew how to have a good time and how to make sure everyone else did, too.
He was married to Kristin, his wife of nine years, and was a proud stepfather to Chad. He adored his two dogs, Peanut and Emerald, who were never far from his side. Gary was the kind of man who made it clear how proud he was of his family, and they always knew how deeply he loved them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dexter and Alice Atkins. He is survived by his wife Kristin, stepson Chad, aunt Mary Myers, uncle Loyd (Debbie) Crump, sister Kristina (Kyle) Knox, and in-laws Shara (Eric) Westenheffer, along with extended family, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, October 24, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 PM. Gary will be buried in Miami Cemetery in Corwin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ohio Hospice of Dayton or The Ohio State University James Cancer Research Center (Pancreatic). Condolences may be shared at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?
