Thornton Keith Atkinson

Thornton Keith Atkinson, Sr., passed away near his home in Java, VA, on April 4, 2026, at the age of 74. Born to Aleise Wilson Atkinson and the late Thornton Sydnor Atkinson, Mr. Atkinson grew up in Witt, VA.

Mr. Atkinson graduated from Tunstall High School and attended Danville Community College. Though he worked in banking and chemical sales as a young man, his heart was always on the farm. Following generations of his family who had raised tobacco and other crops, he bought and cultivated what would become one of the most beautiful farms in Pittsylvania County. He also built four large greenhouses, supplying many farmers in the community with seedlings. Advocating for the interests of farmers and their families, he led the Virginia Agricultural Growers Association as a past president and he also served his community as a board member for the former Woodlawn Academy. He was a member of County Line Baptist Church.

Mr. Atkinson is survived by his wife, Kimberly Martin Atkinson, with whom he celebrated forty years of marriage earlier this year. He is also survived by their four children, Thornton Keith (T.K.) Atkinson, Jr. (Beth), Courtney Curry (Zach), Jarrod Atkinson (Stephanie), and Mary Kathryn Pendleton (Brian) and by their daughter in law, Tommie Jo Lewis, as well as their grandchildren, Gabriel Atkinson, Coleman, Taytum, and Baylor Walker, John Curry, and Patrick and Lillian Pendleton. He was predeceased by his parents and by his grandson, Samuel Pendleton.

A funeral service honoring Mr. Atkinson will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Service, Chatham Chapel with Rev. Mike McDowell officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., also at Norris Funeral Service, Chatham Chapel. At other times the family will receive friends and family at the residence.

Norris Funeral Services, Chatham Chapel is serving the family.