GEORGE BRADLEY "BRAD" ATKINSON
April 21, 1964-Dec. 6, 2012
George Bradley Atkinson, affectionately known as "Brad," departed this life on Dec. 6, 2012, and entered into the gates of Heaven to reunite with his beloved mother, grandmother, and other family members and friends who preceded him in life's final journey.
A celebration of life for "Brad" will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at noon, at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 318 Denmark St., Goldsboro, officiatedby the Rev. Winford Galmon, pastor, and Priest Mary Reese, eulogist. Interment will follow in the Stevens Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 208 Stevens Church Road, Goldsboro. A public viewing will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 South James St.
Born on April 21, 1964, Brad was raised by his loving mother, the late Wilveria Bass Atkinson. She instilled in him the importance and power of education, integrity, and most importantly, the love of Jesus Christ. As he progressed through the Forsyth County School system and Winston-Salem State University, it was evident that he cherished her teachings, guidance and love, keeping them very close to his heart.
Brad always greeted family and friends with a warm smile and a laugh. There were no strangers in his presence. His charming personality encompassed the whole of any room he entered.
Brad carried these early lessons into his career as an educator. A biology professor at Winston-Salem State University and, later, Carteret Community College, he sought to build a solid rapport with his students.
A seasoned traveler, Brad was eager to explore different cultures. His travels included treks to Alaska, Hawaii, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan and China. He spent a few years of his life in Rio de Janeiro, meeting new people and absorbing the customs and culture of Brazil. He also frequently assisted his mother in the planning and successful execution of biomedical symposiums held throughout the nation.
He leaves a legacy of love and memories not only to his father, LaMont Hamilton, but to his sister, LaMonique Hamilton and nephew, Marshall Hamilton; goddaughter, Skylan G. Mickens; aunts and uncles Grace B. and Levi Hamilton II, Shirley Hamilton Carter, Saundra Shields and Betty Smith; cousins Teri Hamilton Mickens (Larry); Levi Hamilton III and Levi Hamilton IV; Phyllis Bass (Rehaana), Tova Gatling, Karl Sims (Jennifer), Chawanda Sims Simpson (Richard), Yolanda Simpson, Derek Bass, Baron Bass and a host of other relatives and friends.
Condolences may be e-mailed to hamiltonfuneralchapelgoldsboro.com, or faxed to (919) 735-4725. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Dillard Alumni and Friends Scholarship Fund, Post Office Box 1051, Goldsboro.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on December 9, 2012 9:16 AM