Roy Frank Atkinson

Roy Frank Atkinson, passed away on July 8, 2023, at the age of 72. Born on August 9, 1950, in Coalville, Utah, Roy was the son of Frank and Audrey Elaine (Dugdale) Atkinson.

Roy married Georgia Snyder and had a daughter Trudy; they later divorced.

He married Elaine Buell and welcomed son Kory and daughter Tanya, they later divorced. 

Roy grew up in Francis on the family farm. He graduated from South Summit High School where he was a member of the FFA and rodeo team. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After high school he attended Auctioneer school then served in the US Army in Germany. 

While in Germany he competed in rodeos in the European rodeo association. When he returned to the US he continued competing in Rodeos in the bareback, bulls and bull dogging. Later he was a stock contractor and pick up man. 

Roy traveled the country working as a welder, living in many states in the Western United States. Roy was an entrepreneur, he started his own business, Atkinson Welding, along with many hobbies that included running a bar, the Silver Spur with his friends, owning a racehorse and futurity bucking bulls, and starting the Francis Frontier Days with his brother and friends. Roy had many lifelong friends including Steve Fitzgerald, Carlos Smith and Mike Crittenden, they were just a few he liked to find trouble with. He was a lifelong rancher and even owned Texas Longhorns. He had an eye for good horses and spent much of his time at barrel races and rodeos. He was proud of his brand Diamond A. Later when Roy could no longer travel he enjoyed watching rodeos on the Cowboy channel. Roy had many good friends and enjoyed a good BS session. He could certainly tell a good story, whether it was true or not and kept up with friends on Facebook.

Roy’s family would like to thank the staff at Spring Gardens. The staff and residents became like extended family. 

Roy is survived by his children, Trudy (Dave) Smith, Kory (Michele) Atkinson, and Tanya (Shane) Odenbach. Seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Sisters: Dolores Mansell, Yvonne Warnick and Nina (Ed) Clyde. Sister-in-law Janet Atkinson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Tim Atkinson and two brother in laws, Kent Mansell and Glen Warnick.

A visitation will be held on July 12, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The
Oakley Red Barn 4200 S SR 32 Oakley, Utah. Graveside will be in the Francis Cemetery.