Milton Horace Atkins

Rockwall resident Milton “Mickey” Atkins passed away peacefully at his home December 5, 2023, at the age of 90. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. A dedicated servant of Christ, his purpose was clear to him in every labor he endured, and his absence is felt greatly by the many lives he touched through love, friendship, and spiritual counsel.

Born January 12, 1933, in Laredo, Texas, Mickey was the son of Salvation Army Officers, Brigadiers Milton and Pearl Atkins. He was a graduate of Martin High School in Laredo, Texas; Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, where he met his beloved wife, Val; The Salvation Army School for Officers Training in Atlanta, GA; and University of Missouri in Columbia, MO where he received his M.Ed. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.

In his initial stage of service, Mickey spent ten years as an officer in The Salvation Army, serving in Charlotte, NC; Osorno and Valdivia, Chile; Memphis, TN; and Mexico City. He served as a Corps Officer in Chile and the U.S. and as Educational Officer for The School for Officer Training in Mexico, DF.

Mickey continued his life of service for 33 years of combined service at The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, TX. His calling was to work in a residential rehabilitation setting using current methods of assisting individuals in the recovery process. His gift was sharing the real power of full spiritual rehabilitation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He excelled in helping countless men reconnect with their families, rebuild their marriages and familial relationships, fulfill their community obligations, and reach their personal achievements. He was beloved by those who benefitted from his prudent wisdom and caring counsel.

Mickey was a longtime member of the Anglican Community and communicant of Christ Church Rockwall. Serving as a home group leader brought him great joy. A dedicated prayer warrior, he could be counted on to provide prayers of intercession anytime trials came one’s way.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 67 years, Val; and their two daughters Mary (Donnie) Freeman and Beverly (Paul) Pop. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Ted Meredith, Annie Meredith Hero, Scott Freeman, Elizabeth Pop Treat, Caroline Pop Amador and Josh Pop; and seven great grandchildren. Mickey is also survived by his sisters Mary Atkins DeFranco, Ruth Atkins Osborne, Sarah Atkins Ribniscky; and two brothers Tom Atkins and David Atkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Pearl, and two sisters, Margaret Atkins and Carolyn Atkins Hovey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held January 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Christ Church Rockwall, 701 Kensington Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church Rockwall, TX 75032 or The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, (ARC), 5554 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235.