Fredrick Donald "Fred" Atkins, 66, of Nashville, died Thursday December 1, 2011 at Emory University Hospital.

He was born December 30, 1944 in Lowndes County to the late Archie Atkins and the late Virginia Harnage. He was employed with Harvey's as warehouse manager for over 20 years and also employed with the Berrien County Board of Education Maintenance Department. He was a member of the Nashville First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, mother-in-law, and twin grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Marie Guthrie Atkins of Nashville; 4 daughters: Jerelda (John) Sutton, Kimberly Chauncey & fiancé Shane Kirk , Gina Chauncey, and Sabrina (William) Kelly all of Nashville; 2 sons: Robert (Renee) Rowell of Abbeville and Donnell (Sabrina) Atkins of Nashville; sister: Betty (Billy) McCowan of Valdosta; 3 brothers: James (Sylvia) Atkins of Lake Park, Gene (Hazel) Atkins of Statenville, and Billy (Teresa) Atkins of Jacksonville, Fl; 7 grandchildren, great granddaughter, great grandson (expected in December); father-in-law: Rev. Warner (Doris) Guthrie of Nashville.

He is also survived by 7 foreign exchange students whom he very much considered his family: Eloy Aragones and Arancha Aragones both of Spain, Rod Miranda of Brazil, Mitsugo Okada of Japan, Bridgette Jenson and Trine Wissman both of Denmark, and Mari Walta of Finland.

Funeral services will be held Sunday December 4, 2011 at 3 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Eddie Shumate officiating. Interment will follow in the Nashville Memorial Gardens. The body will lie in state at the residence until hour of services.