Gerald C. "Jerry" Atkinson, 84, passed away on July 31, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. Born on August 25, 1941 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jerry grew up in Little Rock and attended Central High School. His high school years were marked by the historic desegregation of public schools, an experience he vividly recalled, including the presence of armed National Guardsmen in the hallways and witnessing the "Little Rock Nine" students being escorted to class. His senior year (1958-59) the Arkansas Governor halted mandated desegregation by closing Central H.S. and Jerry graduated from T.J. Rainey, a temporary private school.

Jerry proudly served as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. Stationed with the Marines, this service shaped his lifelong love for San Diego (basic training), the ocean, international travel, and R&B music. Prior to his service, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas.

A career accountant at heart, Jerry transferred to Kansas City with Safeway Grocers and worked for other private companies before retiring from the IRS in 2001. He and his wife Nancy also operated Christine's Gift Shop in Overland Park for 7 years. Together, they shared a passion for marathon walks, watching wildlife visit their backyard, and the occasional dinner at Wyandot BBQ.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Nancy Irby Atkinson, of Overland Park, Kansas; his brother Michael Atkinson of Denver, Colorado; his daughter Christy Sauer (Kevin) of Edmond, Oklahoma; his son Ryan Atkinson (Julia) of Allen, Texas; granddaughters Jillian, Katia, Libby, and Sofia; cousin Carolyn Daniels of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and nieces Jennifer, Brooke, Katie and nephew David. He was predeceased by his nephew Christian Atkinson.

A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas at a future date.