For 82 years, Charlie "Bubba" Atkinson blessed lives by living his life to the fullest. And live he did, as an Air Force veteran, pharmacist, entrepreneur, farmer, rancher, private aircraft pilot, husband, father, and friend. His life partner and wife, Martha Lou Atkinson, left to be with the Lord on January 11, 2007. Together, they had operated and worked several pharmacies in Abilene, including University Drug, Prescription Laboratory, and Peak's Pharmacy. Charlie was the son of Charlie Gaston Atkinson and Cola Beatrice Ramsey Atkinson of Abilene. Charlie was always involved in serving others, as past Presidents of the Texas and West Texas Pharmacy Associations, a Pharmacist of the Year, a lifetime charter member/founder of the Big Country Squadron Confederate Air Force, and philanthropist supporting numerous charities, including the University of Houston, the Texas Tech College of Pharmacy, Abilene, Texas Tech University, and the Six White Horses of Hardin-Simmons University. If you ever saw Charlie without a shirt, more than likely it was because he gave it to someone who needed it. Possessing an inquisitive mind, he was never timid about exploring all that this world had to offer. In sum, if asked if there was something he did not understand, his answer would be "not yet". Indeed, Charlie was at ease whether it behind the wheel of a tractor or an airplane, behind a pharmacy counter dispensing medications, or in a pasture medicating a new born calf. He loved all animals, and was always adopting puppies and kittens in need. Family celebrating his life include his son Greg and wife Tina of Abilene, grandson Wes Atkinson and Karin with great granddaughters Reese and Ryan of Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, and granddaughter Michelle Atkinson of Abilene, Marlee and husband Christopher Brooks of Graz, Austria, Elise Hagar of Abilene, Charlie's daughter Lauretta and husband Pat Gordzelik of Cross Plains, twin granddaughters Holly and her husband Steve Sterquell II with great granddaughter Katherine and great grandson Luke of Denver, Heather and husband Shawn Simmons with great grandsons Corbin, Stratton, and Everett, also of Denver. Charlie's sisters include Norma Sayles LaBarthe of Abilene, Janice and her husband Bill Harkins of Abilene, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held this Friday at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street, from 5 to 7PM. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 2PM in the chapel also at North's. Grave side services will be held at the Atkinson family plot at Elmwood Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Hendricks Hospital in Abilene, with special thanks to its Doctors and Nurses.