Phillip Ray Atkinson was born Sunday, September 30, 1934 in Bokchito, Okla., to Earl Atkinson and Susie (French) Atkinson. He passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Denison, Texas at the age of 89. 
Phillip grew up and graduated from Bokchito School in 1952. He lived in Durant, Armstrong, and the past several years in Denison. Phillip married Elizabeth Ann Davis in Armstrong on May 15, 1981. He retired from the City of Durant with over 20-plus years of service as he did several jobs but mostly at the water treatment plant. He enjoyed reading a good book and going fishing.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Kent, and Oneta Jackson; and brother, Glen Atkinson.
He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth Ann of Denison, Texas; son, Kevin Matthews and his wife, Stephanie, of Denison, Texas; sisters, Sue Goolsby and Margaret Cheshier, both of Bokchito, Okla.; a brother, Lloyd Atkinson of Russellville, Ark.; granddaughters, Jacquelynn Matthews of Denison, Texas, and Katelynn Kourt of Denison, Texas; and great-grandson, Baxton Kourt.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Bokchito Cemetery pavilion with Mr. Don Fentem officiating.