Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 18, 2026

George Walbridge Perkins Atkins, Jr., of Charlotte, North Carolina, formerly of Atlanta, George, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was 88 years old.

Born on May 3, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama, George was the son of Elizabeth Akans Allen Atkins and George Walbridge Perkins Atkins, Sr. He grew up in Birmingham, graduating from Shades Valley High School, where he served as Treasurer of the student body and earned the rank of Eagle Scout — an early sign of the character, sense of duty, and leadership that would define his life.

George went on to Vanderbilt University, where two of the most important chapters of his life began. There he met Martha Freeman Dance, the love of his life; their courtship began freshman year and grew into a romance that lasted the rest of their lives. George was President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Vice President of the Student Senate, while Martha was President of Delta Delta Delta. They married on June 4, 1960 — one week after graduation — so that George could report for duty with the United States Marine Corps.

Commissioned as an officer, George served on active duty and continued as a Captain in the Marine Corps Reserves. He led by example and carried the pride, strength, and good humor of a Marine for the rest of his life.

George began his banking career in 1963 with the Citizens and Southern National Bank, launching what would become 33 years in the banking and trust industry. In 1982, he became the executive responsible for all Trust activities for First Atlanta Bank, and later oversaw Personal Financial Services for Wachovia's member banks in three states while chairing its Management Trust Committee. He retired in 1996 as an Executive Vice President of Wachovia Bank, N.A. — building trust, in every sense, being one of his many gifts.

George's professional distinction was matched only by his devotion to service. His heart was especially devoted to the American Cancer Society, where he began serving in 1973 and ultimately served as Chairman of the National Board from 2009-2010. His community leadership extended to the Children's Rehabilitation Center, REACH, Inc., the Frazer Center, Canterbury Court, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta History Center, the Atlanta College of Art, and the Boards of Visitors of Emory and Presbyterian College. A past president of the Atlanta Vanderbilt Alumni Association, he also chaired charitable trust committees dedicated to helping Georgians in need, including organ transplant assistance for those who could not afford it. Within his profession, he served on the editorial board of Trusts and Estates magazine, as past president of the Trust Division of the Georgia Bankers Association, and as a trustee of the Southern Trust School.

George and Martha were integral members of the WHATS in Atlanta, where his presence will be missed. George was a man of quiet, personal faith — he and Martha were devoted Episcopalians and longtime members of the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta before moving to Charlotte.

But those who knew George will remember him less for his titles than for his spirit. He loved history, he loved to laugh and make people laugh, and he deeply loved SEC sports, especially the Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores. Above all, he loved his family and friends. He had a gift for putting people at ease — joking with everyone from every walk of life, using his self-deprecating humor to bring out a smile. He was a leader through and through, yet he wore that leadership lightly, with humility and good humor.

He was also, to his core, tough and strong — a Marine to the very end. Even in his final days, carrying the weight of many health battles, he never lost that legendary strength or his will to live. That grit stayed with him always, and he so completely won over the nurses caring for him that they gave him a name that fit perfectly: “Perfect George.” His strength was amazing and he fought to the end.

He embodied everyday chivalry. Even in his last years — on oxygen, steadying himself with a walker — he insisted, at every doctor's appointment, that Martha and Beth go first. That was George: his strength always in service of others, a gentleman to the very end.

George lived by two codes learned in his youth which prevailed throughout his life — the Scout's promise to do his best and help others at all times, and the ideal of the SAE True Gentleman, “a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.” He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant.

George is survived by Martha, his wife of 66 years, whom he loved dearly; his children, Trip Atkins of Seattle, Washington, and Beth Atkins Bell (Doug) of Charlotte, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Louie, Ceci, and Julia Atkins of Seattle, Doug Bell, Jr. (Hunter) of Charlotte, and Freeman Bell of Denver, Colorado; and his sisters, Alice Mercer (Charlie) and Susan Pruet (Dave). He also leaves his devoted Cavachon, Charlie, who was rarely far from his side, along with countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by his warmth, his wit, and his leadership.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Allen Atkins and George Walbridge Perkins Atkins, Sr.; his brother, Allen Page Atkins; and his beloved grandson, Maxwell Dance Atkins.

The family is grateful for the incredible care provided by Atrium Health and especially the Neurology ICU, where George spent many weeks during his final months.

A memorial service in honor of George will be held at the Cypress of Charlotte, 3442 Cypress Club Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210, on Tuesday, July 21^st at 11:00 am.   There will also be a memorial service for George in Atlanta at the Cathedral of St. Philip, with details to be confirmed soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in George's memory be made to the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, or to the American Cancer Society, 250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 - two causes to which he devoted so much of his heart.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.