November 3, 2025, 71, Virginia —

Mr. Thomas Ervin “Pop” Atkinson, age 71, passed away peacefully at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia on Monday, November 3, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on February 5, 1954, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the late John D and Alice Atkinson, he lived a full life devoted to his family and career.

Thomas graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1972. He joined the US Army in 1973 and served honorably until retiring in 1993 as a Sergeant First Class in the Army ROTC Department at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Lexington, Virginia. He loved his home and community in Buena Vista, Virginia so he remained there and continued to work at VMI in the Army ROTC Department, retiring again in 2022 as the Recruiting Operations Officer.

In 1981, Thomas married Lovie Minter and together they raised two children, Tonya and Michael Thomas. They were blessed with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Thomas is survived by his brothers, Delton and Darryl Atkinson, and sisters, Judy Best and Terryl Atkinson. Thomas loved all his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also loved sports, and he earned a reputation for his athletic abilities throughout school, his military career, and in the community.

The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and please keep the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.