Gerald Raymond Atkinson, 82, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on August 25, 1942 a son of the late James Atkinson and Nannie Johnson Atkinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Hostetter Atkinson; brothers, Harden Atkinson, Robert Marshall; and sister, Nancy Ruff. He was retired from Bedford County Public Schools. He loved his horses, mules and camping. Gerald is survived by his daughter, Kathy D. Garraghty; son, Raymond Lee Atkinson (Tabatha); grandchildren, Amanda Garraghty (Amanda Goff), James Howard Garraghty III, Leeann A. Faber, Dustin R. Atkinson; great-grandchildren, Ava M. Garraghty, Parker G. Garraghty, Kayson B. Faber; sister, Marietta Smith; special friend, Ann Youngblood; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends. The family would like to thank Bedford County Nursing Home staff and to Centra Hospice for their special care of Gerald over the last couple of years. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Wayne Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Southern Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday at Walnut St. Chapel. Everyone is encouraged to dress casual. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bedford Life Saving Crew. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.