Don

Atkinson

Each sunrise is beautiful proof of the faithfulness of our God.

Don Harrelson Atkinson, 67, of Mullins, was welcomed into his eternal home on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, which he faced with strength, courage, and determination. He was born in Florence, South Carolina on July 1, 1959, the son of the late Ebby James Atkinson and the late Nettie Maude “Judy” Harrelson.

Don was a 1977 graduate of Pee Dee Academy. Following graduation, he accepted a job with Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, where he served as director for many years. Following the passing of his father in 2001, Don took over the family farm, allowing it to stay in the Atkinson family and eventually become a South Carolina Century Farm. He had a deep love for the land and a profound respect for the cattle he raised. He spent many years, breeding, raising and caring for beef cattle. With a desire for everyone to have a pleasurable eating experience and the best beef, Don studied genetics and marbling and had a wealth of knowledge about cattle. He loved the early morning sunrises on the farm, and many people were privileged to share in Don’s thoughts from the Cow Pen. He was especially proud of the Farm Store, where he could proudly serve his farm to table beef. He never missed an opportunity to thank his Lord and Savior for allowing him to do what he loved. As a cofounder and board member of the Pee Dee Cattlemen’s Association, he was recently awarded a plaque in honor of his years of dedication, leadership, and passion for the beef cattle industry. In 2008, Don married the love of his life, Sherry Collins Atkinson. She joined him on the farm, where together they poured their hearts into the land and life they built together. Don loved his family and his cattle and fought for every extra moment to be there for them, even as his health declined. Known to many as “Uncle Don” he often gave advice and encouragement to young cattleman wanting to fulfill their ranching dreams. He left an impression on all who knew and loved him. With God’s blessings, his life was well-lived.

Don is survived by his wife, Sherry Collins Atkinson; sons, Don Collins Atkinson (Kinsey), Dakota James Atkinson, and Dustin James Connor; six grandchildren, Hadley Atkinson and Mary Dalton Atkinson, Joseph Connor, Nolan Connor, James Connor, and Lizzie Connor; brothers, Jimmy Atkinson (Patty) and Ralph Atkinson (Lynn); a sister, Darlene Atkinson Willis (Frank), as well as several nieces and nephews and his beloved cattle.

A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the chapel of Meares Funeral Home with Reverend Thad Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. The family will lay Don to rest in a private committal at Red Hill Memorial Gardens.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving the family.