Billy Ray Atkinson was born to Bennie Atkinson, Sr. and Rosa (Joyner) Atkinson on August 31, 1940 in Pitt County, North Carolina.  He graduated from Speight High School.  Shortly after graduation, he made the bold decision to leave his small town for the big city of Washington, DC.  Realizing an early love of driving, he took a job as a cab driver and remained a subject matter expert on DC streets.  He welcomed his first son, Donell, in 1962 and took great pride in giving the family it's first grandchild.

Billy started his federal career at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in 1970 where he met Louise Pratt.  The two started at GPO on the same day, they dated and married in 1973 and subsequently welcomed their son Curtis.  That union lasted 41 years until Louise's untimely passing in 2014.

Billy retired from the GPO in 2000, after 30 years of service. Not wanting to become complacent, he continued his love of driving with the Prince George's Public School System.  After retiring from PG County schools, Billy began to devote more time to his church. He will be remembered for his deeply dedicated service to his church, St. John's Cristian Methodist Episcopal church in S.E. Washington, DC.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother Rosa J. Atkinson, father Bennie Atkinson, Sr,  brother Melvin Atkinson, and his devoted wife Louise. He found peaceful rest at his home in Temple Hills, MD on the evening of Sunday, October 20, 2019.  He is survived by his sons Donell and Curtis Atkinson; daughter in law Renee Atkinson; sisters Lois Staton, Florence Alston, Margie Atkinson and Maxine Tucker; brothers Bennie Atkinson Jr., (Jean), Ephraim Mohammad, Eugene Atkinson, and  Carl Atkinson, (Melody),  a sister in-law Helen Atkinson as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.