Obituary of Craig E Atkins

Craig E Atkins, EA

July 30, 1949 – February 1, 2018

Liberty, NY

Craig E. Atkins, a life-long resident of Liberty, died on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Orange Regional Medical Center after a short illness.  The son of the late Victor and Eleanor (Theadore) Atkins, he was born in Loomis, NY.

Craig married the love of his life, Mary Ann Smithers, on October 21, 1972 and enjoyed 45 years with her.  The have one son, Charles who resides in Texas with his wife, Jennifer.  Also surviving Craig are his sister, Victoria (David) Robinson, nieces Rebecca and Caroline, and sister-in-law Janet (Robin) De Laney.

Craig was a graduate of Liberty Central School and Orange County Community College.  As an area Tax Preparer for over 40 years, he was an Enrolled Agent (EA) who was licensed by the federal government to represent people in all tax matters.  He was a former owner of Accord and White Lake Speedways as well as a former owner and driver of sprint car #35, racing with the United Racing Club.  Craig was a member of the Hudson Valley Region of the Porsche Club of America and was a National Driver Education Instructor for them. Known for playing drums and guitar for several area bands, including Split Personality and the Hillsiders, Craig’s musical career started in High School when he was asked to play drums for Chubby Checker when he performed for a high school dance.

More recently, Craig was a member, treasurer, and Bread of Life Food Pantry volunteer of the Hurleyville United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hurleyville United Methodist Church, PO Box 64, Hurleyville, NY  12747.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17th at 1:30pm at Hurleyville United Methodist Church, Main Street, Hurleyville, NY.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Ramsay Funeral Home, for further information call 845-292-7160 or visit www.colonialramsaysfuneralhome.com