Noel Barrett (Barry) Atkins, age 81, of 3217 Longdale Furnace Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born May 30, 1940 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Basil S. Atkins and Doris Lowry Atkins.

He graduated from Central High School, received his Bachelor's degree from Lynchburg College while playing sports, and then received his Master's in education from Radford University.

Barry served in the United States Army from 1963 until 1966. He retired after 30 years of teaching. He loved teaching 6th and 7th grade science by doing hands on experiments. His students always remembered his funny and explosive personality.

His greatest passion was bluegrass music. He loved playing his mandolin and getting others to join him. He taught many, young and old, how to play. When you visited the Atkins home, Barry always serenaded his guests with guitar, mandolin, piano and bass. He was a gifted and well-loved musician.

As a young man, Barry loved playing sports, baseball being his favorite and golf being his most frustrating. He was also a member of the First Christian Church of Clifton Forge.

Barry is survived by his wife, Betty Hylton Atkins; a son, Keith Atkins and wife, Julie; a brother, William S. "Bill" Atkins and wife, Cindy; a granddaughter, Jessica Atkins and other grandchildren, Jacob Catlett, Anna Haynes, and Jonathan Preston; a special niece, Jill Harlow and her husband, Robert; a nephew, Brad Atkins and his wife, Rhonda and families; best friends, Bill Cook and Mike Entsminger.

In keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated.

Arrangements for a graveside service and celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Mountain Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422, or Feeding South West VA, 1025 Electric Road, Salem, Virginia 24153.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.