OBITUARY: Mark Steven Atkins

Mark Steven Atkins, age 68, of Goodlettsville, TN-formerly of Joelton, Cedar Hill, and Whites Creek, TN-passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and lifelong friends.

Mark was born on September 5, 1957, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late James Wesley Atkins and Mary Olean (Johnson) Atkins. He married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Terri (Dodson) Atkins, on December 3, 1977. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. A graduate of Cheatham County High School, Mark went on to attend David Lipscomb University.

For the first 37 years of his life, he was a member of Clarksville Highway Church of Christ in Joelton. There he served as a beloved youth minister to countless teenagers for 15 years and was also a deacon. In 1995 he and his family began attending Northside Church of Christ in Nashville and continued to serve there for the next 28 years.

Mark worked alongside his father at Atkins Construction Company from the time he was out of college until he later opened and operated his own excavating company. He ran his company for 20 years with integrity and compassion for his employees until his medical retirement in 2020.

Mark loved being a father and grandfather more than just about anyone in the world. When his kids were young, Mark was known for taking them on spontaneous trips. He took them on such adventures as RV camping tours of the west and countless trips to his favorite place, the Smokey Mountains. He also regularly took them boating, jet skiing and fishing. With his daughter, he enjoyed shopping, movies, and solo trips with her. When his son was old enough, he shared his love of Harley’s by riding with him. When he became a Big-Big (aka grandfather), his grandchildren were the light of his life. They brought him joy that everyone could see. He made memories that will last them a lifetime by taking them on beach trips and to Disney World.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Terri, and his daughter, Nikki Atkins Brunson (Rob), and their children, Belle and Sam; his son, Taylor Atkins (Cindy), and their children, Miles and Sofia; his brother, Chris Atkins (Shanda Springer); his sister, Donna Brown (Randy Edgin); and his nephew, Kelly Street (Arielle), and their three sons.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at Cheatham County Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Joelton Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will take place Monday, September 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Atkins, Miles Atkins, Rob Brunson, Sam Brunson, Chris Atkins, John Dodson, and Ray McClelland.

Cheatham County Funeral Home LLC 615-792-2552 online condolences may be made at cheathamcountyfh.com.