Robert Marsh Atkins

Dr. Robert Marsh Atkins passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at his home in Winter Haven. Born June 28, 1939, in Tampa, he was the son of the late Cedric Donald Atkins and Kathryn Marsh Atkins. Dr. Atkins, DDS, MPH practiced dentistry for thirty-five years in Winter Haven. He was also a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army as a Colonel in Operation Desert Storm as the DENTAC Commander at Fort Bragg. Dr. Atkins also served as the dental director of Palm Beach County in the early 70’s. He founded the first migrant worker care program for the State of Florida, which became a model used by numerous states, as well as mobile units with the United States Army. Dr. Atkins was a born leader with an ability to show you the way by example, while challenging you to be your best, never accepting less, and never accepting defeat. He was tough but never asked you do anything he was not willing to do himself. He believed in a non-negotiable moral and ethics code, integrity, courage, honesty, honor, all principles that lead to character. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife, Kathy Atkins of Winter Haven, his children: James D. Atkins of Bradenton, Kenneth E. Atkins (Maria) of Tallulah Falls, GA, Joanna McGetrick (John) of St. Augustine, Kayli Atkins (Steven Solly) of Bradenton, Matt Atkins (Mackenzie) of Winter Haven and Linda Kay Causby (Chris) of Hendersonville, NC. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Barbara, Christina, Pierre, Giovanni, Lilee, Isaac, Noah, Eli, Coraline, Jack, Jordan along with great grandchildren: Sophie, Emmaline. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20th from 10am to 11am at McLean Funeral Home, 306 East Broadway in Fort Meade. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Meade.