Harold Smith "Hal" Atkinson, Jr.

Mr. Harold Smith “Hal” Atkinson, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 80.

Born on May 11, 1943 in Franklin, VA to Harold “Big Daddy” and Mary Ellen Atkinson, Hal began his lifelong dedication to the fire service as a volunteer fireman with the Franklin Fire Department at the age of 16. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America and was proud to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Hal attended NC State (1961-65) and earned his BS in Zoology and Wildlife Management. Upon graduation, Hal was employed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as a wildlife biologist. He was later named Chief of Wildlife Management and he served in that role until his retirement in 1998. The same year, Hal was honored to receive the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award which is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.

Hal met and married his wife, Barbara, in 1966 and they were blessed with two daughters, Pam and Susan. The family moved to Wake County in 1976 and joined Bay Leaf Baptist Church in 1977 where Hal served faithfully in many roles. He was active in the Buchanan and Faith 5 Sunday School classes, worked on the Wednesday night supper committee for over 20 years, and served two terms on the Bay Leaf Deacon Board.

For 62 years, Hal served his community as a member of the local fire department. After settling in Wake County, Hal joined the Bay Leaf Fire Department where he made deep friendships that continued for decades. He served as Volunteer Chief of BLFD from 1981-1993 and was named Fire Chief Emeritus by the BLFD Board of Directors in 1994. Following his retirement from active duty, Hal served on the Bay Leaf/Northern Wake Fire Department Board of Directors for 27 years. He turned in his pager and retired in 2021.

In addition to chasing fire trucks, Hal enjoyed being in the woods calling turkeys, riding his tractor, and fishing on the Chowan River. His 4th of July celebrations at the river will certainly be missed.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, Laurie Vaughn Atkinson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his two daughters, Pam Naglieri (Len) and Susan Tweed (Norman) and four grandchildren, Ben Naglieri (Victoria), Andrew Naglieri (Keely), Max Tweed (Vivian), and Kailey Tweed, and 3 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Lucas, and Micah Naglieri.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the care and support they received from Bayada Home Health and Transitions Life Care.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning, June 8, 2024 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.

Friends may visit with the family from 9:30am - 10:45am at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bay Leaf Baptist Church Benevolent Fund at 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

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