Vardaman, MS
Funeral Home
Belle Memorial Funeral Home
Visitation
TBA
Service
TBA
Obituary
OMilitary Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on February 1, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Master Sergeant Willie Earl Atkinson, age 66, Vardaman, MS, who had served in the 223 rd Engineer Battalion has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
May 22, 1959 — February 1, 2026
Vardaman
We give our sincere condolences to the Atkinson family on the loss of their loved one, Willie Earl Atkinson, 66, who was an outstanding soldier and person. I had the privilege to serve with him in the National Guard for many years. I was motivated by his dedication to many things, especially Martial Arts and running 20+ miles regularly. He passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at NMMC in Tupelo, MS.
Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by Belle Memorial Funeral Home. Go to bellememorialfuneralhomes.com for updates.