James R. Atchley, Sr., 1937 – 2020

James R. Atchley, Sr. was born on top of Sand Mountain in a log cabin in Guntersville, Alabama, to William Alex Atchley and Beunice Kelley Atchley. He spent his childhood in Alabama and Arkansas farming, hunting, fishing, frog gigging, swimming in the local swimming holes and being a typical country boy. He met the love of his life, Linda Carol Atchley, in Tyronza, Arkansas. They were married Dec. 31, 1960. James Robert lived in Vicksburg, Mississippi, 47 years raising his family and laying asphalt with Runyon Construction and APAC until he retired in 2004. He had many fond memories of the crews he worked with through the years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, working in his yard and wood crafting.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers W.A. Atchley, Thomas Atchley, Jimmy “Hillbilly” Atchley and Ray Atchley; a grandson James Cook; and a nephew Jeff Atchley.  He is survived by his wife, Linda Atchley; children, Bobby Atchley (Darlene), Kay Atchley (Mike Hoben) and Kimberly Atchley Williamson (Blake); grandchildren, Jamie Chandler (Natalee), Niki Chandler (Jason), Jimmy Atchley (Courtney), Alisha Utter (Matthew), Ashley Kelly (Charles) and Andrew Hood; great-grandchildren, Manny Chandler, Johnathan Chandler, Stella Chandler, Christian Chandler, Jase Rickles, Tanner Reynolds, Katie Helms, Hanah Atchley, Janie Raye Atchley, Ethan Utter, Emma Utter, Ansalynn Kelly, Cristian Kelly, Dravyn Moore, Serenity Wooley, Ansleigh Kelley and Ayla Wade; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful sidekick, Sebastian.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2020, at Glenwood Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Clemts officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Monday until the hour of the service.  Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Scotty Butler, Will Washington, Kenneth Moore, Christian Chandler, Manny Chandler and Johnathan Chandler. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Atchley and all the nieces and nephews of the deceased.