Thomas Pinson Atkinson

Quite a gloom was cast over our town Monday about noon by the sad news that Prof. T. P. Atkinson had been stricken down with apoplexy on the school yard. He had just remarked to the boys that he did not feel like playing ball with them but would hold first base, and had just taken his position there when he fell to the ground unconscious.
Everything that could be done was done by teachers and pupils until medical assistance arrived when he was revived after heroic means and was taken to his home. He died Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock.
Prof. Atkinson had just begun his second year with us as principal of the Flovilla High School, and was greatly beloved by all pupils as well as universally popular in our town. His death was a severe shock to all who knew him.

(Butts County Progress - October 15, 1909)

Death of Prof. T. P. Atkinson Wednesday.
The death of Prof. T. P. Atkinson at Flovilla Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock, following an apoplectic stroke Wednesday at noon, came as a painful blow to a large circle of friends. To the family the shock is overwhelming. Than Prof. Atkinson there was no more popular or better known citizen in the county.
He was the son of the late Hon. Alex Atkinson, representative and senator from Butts county. Prof. Atkinson was a University of Georgia man and a prominent educator and for the two years principal of the Flovilla High School. He was a member of Indian Spring lodge No. 307, F. & A. M.; Jackson Chapter No. 55, R. A. M., and Jackson lodge No. 131, Knights of Pythias.
Prof. Atkinson was popular with all who knew him. He was graced with the ability to make and hold friends. He was a big-hearted frank gentleman.
Besides his wife, who was Miss Lottie Crawford, three sisters, Mrs. A. L. Rhodes, of Ashburn, Mrs. J. H. Benton, of Monticello and Mrs. W. S. Cobb, of Tifton survive him.
The funeral took place from the Jackson Baptist Church Thursday at noon and was largely attended. The services were conducted in an impressive manner by Rev. J. P. Lee, of Macon, assisted by Rev. Z. M. Leveritte of Flovilla. Floral tributes were numerous and handsome, attesting the popularity in which the deceased was held.
Prof Atkinson was buried with Masonic honors, members of the Jackson and Indian Spring lodge performing the last sad rites.
The pallbearers were Messrs. A. H. Ogletree, R. V. Smith, J. M. Trapp, A. C. Millen, J. Mote Watts, Dr. W. J. Waits.
Interment was in the Jackson Cemetery.

(Butts County Progress - October 15, 1909)

Resolutions of Indian Spring Lodge F & A. M.
Whereas, the alarm has again been sounded on the inner door of our lodge, and our beloved brother T. P. Atkinson has been summoned by the supreme _____ of the universe to the lodge above, therefore be it rendered:
That since we lament his untimely taking away, we bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well. All that loving hands could do was done for him in his last hours, but human aid could not avail. Brother Atkinson one of nature's noblemen, gentle, kind and an honest upright man. He loved his God, his family and his brothers of the Masonic order. He was always a zealous worker in his chosen profession. Brother Atkinson was born in Butts county and has resided here all his life except when he was called to other parts of the country in the discharge of the duties of his chosen profession. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason May 7th 1909. He leaves a wife and daughter to morn his untimely death, and although we can not see him any ______. (The rest of this resolution can not be read.)

(Butts County Progress - October 29, 1909)

Submitted by V. S. Harrison