William “Billy” Wayne Atkins Jr.

Billy, 68, of Durham, passed away peacefully at Duke University Hospital on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after a brief illness.

Billy worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years before retiring in 2024. He was also an avid Duke Blue Devils fan.

Billy is survived by his two sons, William Wayne Atkins III of Durham and James Scott Atkins (Brandi) of Efland; one daughter, Halea Ray of Cedar Grove; and five grandchildren, Alexzandra Denny, Jordan Atkins, Kaiya Atkins, Carter Atkins, and Alissa James.

He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Maverick Ladd and Knox Denny; his only sister, Paula Latta (Steve) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and two nieces, Kim Hobgood (Garrett) and Amber Hanna (Kenneth).

Services will be announced at a later date.