Gerald Phillip Atkins

aka: Jerry or Carney

Passed away on March 2, 2019

Born in San Diego, CA on August 23, 1948

Age: 70

Jerry graduated from Hoover High School where he played the flute for the school band. He continued to be an avid music lover that wouldn’t go anywhere without taking his “tunes”. While he had a wide variety of music he especially enjoyed listening to Jazz and Blues in his later years.

After high school, he worked for various carnivals including Belmont Park in San Diego, earning the nickname “Carney”. Later he moved to Las Vegas where his uncle helped him secure a job at the Las Vegas Convention Center. There, he met the love of his life; Jane a.k.a Bug. The pair would be known for being “Joined at the Hip” as they went everywhere together. They enjoyed exploring the beauty of the world and meeting new people in their travels. No trip was complete unless he had his American flag and Nevada flag to hang in the window, tunes to listen to, and a travel bar to serve up a cocktail.

He was a die-hard sports enthusiast that believed in rooting for the home team…no matter the odds. He and Jane often traveled to games in order support his favorite team… “Go Chargers!”. On game days, he enjoyed texting his brother Chris and sister Tanita while watching football.

Jerry felt strongly about the importance of participating in government and upholding our constitution. From his dedication to participating in the judicial system, serving as a union representative, donating to the disabled veteran’s and other such charities, to collecting coins and patriotic memorabilia he was proud to play even a small part in making things better for all people.

Over the years, the pair would recue countless animals including dogs, cats, and desert tortoises. In 2013, they adopted a King Charles Spaniel named Cleo. It would ultimately be Cleo that became his constant companion after the untimely passing of his wife, Jane.

He is survived by his daughters Holly and Jennifer; grandchildren Amber, Chad and Pualei; great-grandson Nathaniel; sisters Mary and Tanita; brothers Ronnie and Chris.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life Jane, mother Isabel, step-father Big Danny, brothers Jim and Little Danny.