Henry Clay “Hank” Atchison went gently into the night to be with his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2016. He will be remembered as a political leader, patriot, civic leader, Constable, businessperson, friend, Daddy and “Pawpaw.” The family presented to him a Revere Bowl Award celebrating his 90th Birthday on April 23 and commemorating 90 Years in the “Winner’s Circle” as an Atchison Champion!

Hank was born on April 23, 1926, in McCalla. He was the son of Earl Hubbard “E.H.” and Lucille Alexander Atchison. He was preceded in death  by the mother of their five children, Rosemary Kay Youngblood; son, Hubbard Cade “Billy” Atchison; father, E.H. and mother, Lucille Alexander; and sister, Earlene Atchison Rupert.

Hank is survived by his children, Kay Atchison “Cookie” Warfield ( Michael) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Knowles Youngblood Atchison (Mildred) of San Antonio, Texas; Alexander Atchison “Xan” Key, (Mark); and Jo Atchison White, ( Johnny) both of Tuscaloosa; daughter-in-law Janet Hill Atchison (Billy – deceased) of Tuscaloosa; seven grandchildren, Hubbard  Cade, “Hank” Atchison Jr. (Charlie) of Tuscaloosa, Thomas Clay, “Tommy”( Kaley) Atchison of Selma Knowles Youngblood Atchison Jr.(Katherine ) of Elkridge, Maryland, Mary Catherine White of Tuscaloosa, and Remington Hall Atchison of San Antonio, Texas, Andrew Key, (Chelsea) of Atlanta, Georgia and Stella Key of Chicago, Illinois; and a beloved 90 year old first cousin, Nell Trussell Payne of Montgomery; seven great-grandchildren, Hubbard Cade Atchison III, Sara Kay Atchison, Abigail Ruth, Lillian Belle and Titus Stence of Tuscaloosa; and Thomas Clay Atchison Jr. and Katherine Hill Atchison of Selma and numerous nieces and nephews. He had a special father-like relationships with many especially James L. Wallace, Wal C. Wallace, Emma Smith, Estelle Thomas, Mag Lumpkin, Johnny Hale and Wayne Odom.

Hank had a special gift of communicating and sharing of stories as he relived the traveling adventures to every state capital that friends and strangers never tired of hearing. His wisdom, content knowledge in all areas and ability to design, retool and construct were amazing for a small town country boy who served in the WW II European Theater at 18 years old. He returned from the War ready to conquer the world by attending the University of Virginia, University of Alabama and graduated from Oglethorpe University in 1952. His 63rd class union was celebrated at the Golden Petrel Luncheon May 7, 2016 in Atlanta.

As a civic leader and quest to improve the quality of community living for all, he was an active member of the Selma Lions Club for slightly over 37 years with a high interest in developing and promoting the annual fair the “Petting Zoo” for everyone to enjoy. He received his 60-year pin from the Selma Masonic Lodge, member of the American Legion Post 20, the Elks Lodge and was the longest living member of the Orrville Methodist Church until his death. He was currently serving his last term of office as Constable in Dallas County appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley.

A celebration of his life will begin on Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at Lawrence Brown Funeral Home for the Masonic Rites. Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at the Orrville Methodist Church in Orrville.

The family will receive friends and share stories followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. with Hank Atchison, Travis Barnes and Tom Rimer officiating. Interment will be in the Orrville Cemetery directed by Lawrence Funeral home

Pallbearers will be Lacy Kendrick, Kent Cogle, Gray Cogle, Will Roberts, Mark Mason and Robert “Bob” Key. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Selma Lions Club, Alabama Constables Association and members of the Orrville Methodist Church.

Special acknowledgements to the Vaughan Regional Medical Center, David McCormack, Chief Executive Officer and MICU staff, especially nurses Brooke, Cheney, Hope, Melissa and Kim and Respiratory Therapy  for understanding the value and impact of relationships and power of good medicine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations should be made to one of Hank’s favorite events — The Central Alabama Fair: The Petting Zoo — to enhance community relationships/partnerships, to expand the horizons of young kids, and a time to celebrate and recognize endangered craftsmanship skills.