Franklin, Delano Atkins was born on October 24th, 1937, in Cumberland, VA and died peacefully at his home in Yuma, AZ on December 20, 2025. Growing up in difficult
circumstances in North Carolina, he dreamed of a better life and in his early 20's moved to
California to pursue that dream.
Frank had a talent for understanding how things work. He turned that ability into a successful appliance repair and parts business, which he grew for 17 years, selling it in 1982. The business gave him not just a foundation for financial success but also led to his personal happiness. It was there that he met his lifelong love, his wife, Dolores (Lori), in 1969. After selling the business, he devoted himself to his true passion, real estate. He crafted homes, developed properties and conducted countless real estate transactions over more than 40 years, first in the Bay area, then in Las Vegas and for the past 15 years in Yuma.
Until Macular Degeneration blurred the road, Frank and Lori chased horizons in their motor home, making friends and having adventures across all parts of America. Known for his quick wit and joyful humor, Frank lit up every room with laughter right up until the end. He is survived by his children, Kelly Atkins Hoots, Teresa Atkins Jones, Tony Delana Atkins, Stepson Gordon Joseph Salel, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and Lori - still chuckling at his jokes.

Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at his residence.

We will miss him, but we know he accomplished what most aspire to and never achieve - he lived life on his own terms and built the life he dreamed of. May he rest in peace.