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Atkinson 1

In Loving Memory

Atkinson, Billy J. (Bill)

Billy J. (Bill) Atkinson of St. Louis, Missouri, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, longtime proprietor of Atkinson Music, and master of the steel guitar died on January 21, 2025.  He was 92 years old.

Bill was born on February 29, 1932, in Harrison, Arkansas, to Freta and Eldred Atkinson.   The family moved to St. Louis shortly thereafter and lived first in St. Louis and later in Annapolis, Missouri, where he went to high school.

On January 26, 1952, Bill married Patricia Jean (Pat) Atkinson of St. Louis.  Only a few short weeks later, in the midst of the Korean War, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He completed basic training but a doctor’s diagnosis of a heart ailment kept him from being sent overseas and he instead served two years at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bill and Pat returned to St. Louis where he began working nights for the Burlington Railroad and during the day in his father in-law’s music store.  In 1955 he bought the store, re-named it Atkinson Music, and ran the store at its location on South Broadway until 2005.  During those five decades Atkinson Music was one of the leading music outlets in the city, but Bill’s special genius was in repairs.  Using his self-taught instincts and skills, Bill became the city’s go-to expert in instrument repair, especially of accordions, regularly providing repair service not only for his own customers but for customers of other stores.  Bill and Pat together also used Atkinson Music as a platform for music education, teaching generations of St. Louis musicians on drums as well as acoustic, electric, and steel guitar.

Bill’s musical talent was not limited to working with instruments and teaching.  He was a regionally known steel guitar player, playing and recording country and gospel tunes as well as standards with local artists and bands and sitting in with artists like Chet Atkins and Chuck Berry.  More than anything, though, he loved and was devoted to jam sessions with his dear friends of many years, Mel Echols and Ted Brown.

Bill shared his passion for music with his wife of 72 years, Pat Atkinson, who survives him.  Bill is also survived by their two children, Bill Atkinson of St. Louis and Jeanne Atkinson (David Buchholz) of Silver Spring, Maryland, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Bill was pre-deceased by his brothers Frank and Bob, his sister Mattie, and his grandson Zachary.

Perhaps due to his being born on leap day – and thus his 18th birthday not coming until he was 72 years old – Bill never developed a taste for alcohol.  Instead, his drinks of choice were hot coffee, which was not hot enough unless microwaved after coming out of the pot, and cold milk, which was not cold enough unless put in the freezer after coming out of the refrigerator.   But Bill’s wholesomeness was not only reflected in his beverage selections.  Bill was a gentle giant: tall and strong but soft-spoken with never a cross word (let alone a swear), despite starting every morning by finishing the crossword puzzle in the Post-Dispatch.  He always had a joke at the ready, even if most of them were what are now described as “dad jokes,” meaning mostly bad ones, many about accordions and accordion players.  Bill was also supremely athletic, and able to balance things including chairs on his chin and small children on his hand, but he saved most of his sports-related passion for cheering on the Cardinals.

The family is grateful to those many people who helped Bill during his final years, including those at the Veterans Administration, Gentiva Hospice, Makaylah from Forever Diamond Health Care, and especially our angel Jamie Bartz.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at 10:00am, at St. Francis of Assisi, 4556 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, followed by burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Tue. 4-7PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

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6 thoughts on “Atkinson, Billy J. (Bill)”

  1. Our sincere condolences to all friends and family of Bill. I. Bought my first bass guitar and amplifier from Bill in about 1973. My brother-in-law , Pat Heller told me about Bill having the store, so I, along with Pat, went to see Bill and he had just what I needed for my first bass guitar set up. He will be missed by all who knew him! Rest in Peace Bill!

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  2. Knowing how God makes all our plans. This plan of the loss of Bill has now come full circle. Now, the Greatest and Honorable Showman of our time are in heaven together. Bill and my Brother as most know Pat Heller Jr. Now when I hear a Steal Guitar playing I will know that God has brought them back together for a supreme sound of music in the skies and heaven above. Play that song again Gentleman, another fine musician is right with you, by your side. My father, Pat Heller, Sr. We will be waiting to hear that song 1 more time. You will be missed Bill.

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  3. We lost a real gem of a man. His kindness, fairness, understanding and humor has effected anyone who had any contact with him.
    He will be missed but always remembered.

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  4. What a wonderful and gentle man. I took lessons at his store on S Broadway back in 1969 or 70. He was so happy when he got in a steel guitar (or attached device) that would let it talk. Nothing but fond memories and I’ve thought of him many times over all these years. Condolences to his family!

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  5. Two of the most Loving, Gentle, kind, people I have ever known. What great Love they had/have for one another, and their family. Patient as well. Who would want to teach an 8 year old to play a mandolin? Bill taught me three instruments. The Mandolin, the bass and the lead guitar. Many, many wends nights from Seckman Mo to So, Broadway. My father was dedicated to his children to learn musical instruments and Pat and Bill were our instructors. Uncle Charley always said Pat was a saint, but Bill was also a saint. I believe they both knew every episode of Bananza. Sometimes Bill would have to be the referee when Dad and Uncle Charley were playing pinnacle. What a Great honor for me to be able to say that I knew them, and they enriched my life more than they will ever know. God Bless all of the family, Pat, Jenie and Bill, and all the remaining family members. You don’t have to be concerned about Bill making it to Heaven. I know he is there. Mike Heller

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  6. I never really got to know Uncle Bill until the later years since we moved to California at a very young age. I thank God that I got to know him a little bit in my older years. He was so kind and He had the best smile ever. I’m so happy that he liked my dog Rylie. He thought she was a really special dog. I will miss you Uncle Bill. I am so thankful that we had our visits. Love you Uncle Bill.

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