Johnnyray Atkins

JohnnyRay's service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/692256905

JohnnyRay's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/S24CMZ28TTFMN6WY

Our beloved JohnnyRay passed away suddenly on March 15, 2022, in Minot, ND.
He was born August 25, 1969, to the late James and Phyllis Atkins in Rock Island, IL. He loved the outdoors and spending time among "his trees" in his younger years. He was active in basketball, baseball, and wrestling while attending high school at Rockridge High until entering the Army in 1986. After serving our country for six years, he left the Army in 1992.

He welcomed his first son, James Atkins, in 1993 and his second son, Cody Atkins, in 1995 with his first wife, Charlene Baynes.

JohnnyRay became a professional truck driver in 1996 and drove cross country for Altendorf. He then worked for Tran Systems in 2013 as an equipment operator before moving up to management. In 2017, he was offered his dream job as a train wrecker for RJ Corman. He often referred to his job not as work but as playing with giant-sized Tonka Toys in a sandbox. He quickly formed a bond with his work crew, and they were more like a family.

JohnnyRay met Sabrina Arbuckle in 2005 and finally had his puzzle piece to make him feel complete. They fell in love and spent several years together before making it legal on December 20, 2017, among family where he loved to spend his time. He welcomed her five children into his life as his own, and they have welcomed several grandchildren together.

JohnnyRay is survived by his beloved wife Sabrina; their children James and Cody Atkins; Mary, Matthew, and Savannah Montes; Amelia Kulas; and Sarah Aguirre; his two sisters Sandra and Carla Atkins; 18 grandchildren; and numerous other family members in Illinois and Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents.