Pastor Jack Atkinson

Pastor Jackie “Jack” Woodrow Atkinson, 82, went to be with the Lord Friday, October 25, 2024.

Pastor Jack was born in Bishopville, SC on July 16, 1942.  He is the son of the Late Woodrow “Row” Atkinson and Marie Herrington Atkinson. 

While attending Wagener Pentecostal Holiness Church Pastor Jack met the love of his life; Nina Mae Gantt. They were married in December of 1968.  Pastor Jack and Ms. Nina had been married for 53 years as of 2022 when Ms. Nina went home to be with the Lord. 

Pastor Jack is survived by his sister Nellie Black and several nieces and nephews.

Pastor Jack graduated from Ashwood Central High School in Bishopville, SC.  Pastor Jack then enlisted in the U. S. Army where he served in the Seventh Calvary. After serving in the Army, he attended Columbia Bible College. 

Pastor Jack had a long history of public service, starting his career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol in January of 1968 as a PFC for 16 years.  After that he was Chief Deputy with the Aiken County Sherriff’s Department for 8 years, and Police Chief of the Wagener Police Department.

In the early 1970’s he followed the calling the Lord placed on his life to enter the mission field. Pastor Jack’s ministry was expansive; he was an evangelist, pastor, and missionary. He began his ministry as a pastor at Barnwell Pentecostal Holiness Church. He then founded Chapel of Love in Wagener, pastored at Clay Hill Family Worship Center in Pelion, and then at Faith Riders Fellowship Church, in Aiken. During his pastorship, Pastor Jack continued working in the mission field. He was the founder and president of Faith Missions International which focused on the Navajo and Apache reservations.

Pastor Jack was a devoted husband, son, and friend.  He was a dedicated Christian. His heart and true passion was serving the Lord. He and his wife Nina gave selflessly at all times. Their entire lives were centered around service: to their community, their churches, and to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Sawgrass Church, formerly Chapel of Love.

Memorials to assist with expenses may be made to Blizzard Funeral Home online at www.blizzardfuneralhome.com or P. O. Box 235 Wagener, SC 29164.

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