James Steven Atkins

December 8, 1956 - August 20, 2021

James Steven Atkins, II Steve was born on December 8th, 1956 in Tallahassee, the oldest of seven siblings, to Robert Lee Atkins and Carol Gravely Atkins. He graduated from Leon High School, and attended Florida State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Steve enlisted in the U S Army in 1979 and rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He completed Airborne School and was a Captain in Special Forces. He was honorably discharged when he suffered a debilitating knee injury in a paratrooping exercise, and enrolled at West Virginia State College, earning double degrees in Business and Sociology. Steve was a gifted athlete and played on numerous football, baseball and rugby teams throughout his years growing up in Tallahassee. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was happiest at home on St George Island with his wife, Leigh, and their beloved cats and dogs. He was kind-hearted, a fiercely loyal friend and brother, who would help anyone in need without a second thought. Steve and Leigh have owned and operated their business, Atlantis Pools, on St. George Island since 1999. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, John Thompson Atkins. He is survived by his wife, Leigh Barker Atkins, St. George Island; sisters: Staton Atkins, Page Hagan (Bruce), Courtney Atkins, and Mary Linville Atkins (Steve Meck), Tallahassee; and Bethany Atkins Rice (Alan), Lexington, KY; uncle William Gravely (Pam), mother-in-law MaryAnn Barker, sister-in-law Debbie Pedersen (John Jusino); stepfather Robert Goughnour; nieces and nephews: Grayson Cooper(Justin), McKenzie Hagan(Brooke), Frankie Rice, Mary Gardner Rice, Resh Meck, Jack Meck, Chambers Miller, and Atticus Miller, great nephew and niece Carter Cooper and Parker Hagan. There will be a memorial service at a later date to celebrate Steve's life. Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Ministry at SGI UMC, 201 E. Gulf Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328 or Animalshelterfoundation.org online or mail to P.O. Box 13858, Tallahassee, FL. 32317. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)