WHEREAS, Bobby L. Atkins of Williamsburg, an admired spiritual leader who touched countless lives in the Commonwealth and around the world, died on July 18, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Bobby "Bob" L. Atkins served his country for two years as a member of the United States Air Force, then opened an electrical contracting company in 1966; and

WHEREAS, Bob Atkins answered the call to the ministry in the 1970s; he went back to school to earn a bachelor's degree from Central Wesleyan University and a degree from what is now Holmes Bible College; and

WHEREAS, after completing his education, Bob Atkins served as assistant to the president, dean of students, and a professor at Holmes Bible College; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known as "Pastor Bob," Bob Atkins led Greensprings Chapel in Williamsburg for almost 30 years; under his leadership, the church greatly expanded its mission programs; and

WHEREAS, Bob Atkins traveled extensively in Nigeria, Russia, Israel, and Haiti, establishing numerous churches and spreading the word of the Lord; he also worked closely with Chinese missionaries who founded three Bible colleges in China; and

WHEREAS, Bob Atkins also served on the board of directors of Christian Aid Mission in Charlottesville, helped establish the Association of Williamsburg Area Ministries, and worked with Redemption Ministries Conference Leadership Council; at the time of his passing, he had become the pastor of Encore Church; and

WHEREAS, Bob Atkins will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Lawana; sons, Stephen, Mark, and Walter, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Bobby L. Atkins, an inspirational religious leader in Williamsburg; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bobby L. Atkins as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.