Paul Lawrence Atkinson was born July 10, 1953 to the union of Noble Sr and Ola Mae Atkinson in Hot Springs Arkansas. Paul lived in Hot Springs until moving to Kansas City Missouri.

Paul joined the US Army in 1972 and was Honorably Discharged in 1977. Paul moved to Battle Creek Michigan with his sister Lula Watson-Foster where he met the former Debra Howard and her daughter Tamika. Paul and Debra were married in July 1982 and unto that union they were blessed with their son Lawrence Atkinson in June 1983. The union of Paul and Debra later ended in divorce.

Paul was an avid football fan and always cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs. During football season Paul always made sure he called his son and his daughter in regards to their favorite football teams as well.

Even up to his passing, Paul loved his family as he would make phone calls just to check on his nieces and nephews to make sure they were ok.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Noble Sr and Ola Mae Atkinson, Brothers Roosevelt Long, Jimmy Atkinson and Elder Dequince Atkinson, Sisters Naomi Atkinson, Evangelist Artimisha Curry, Missionary Vivian Atkinson, and Supervisor Lula Watson-Foster.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory to his son Lawrence Atkinson of Norcross Georgia, daughter Tamika Howard (Gavin) of Lithonia Georgia, grandkids Tyr'Que Howard, Tenaya Howard, and Tiera Howard of Lithonia Georgia, Debra Atkinson of Atlanta Georgia, Brothers Noble Atkinson Jr and Elvis Atkinson both of Kansas City Missouri, a host of nieces and nephews.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.