Kenneth Vernard Atkins, M.D., 59, died Aug. 5, 2010, at his home. He was born in Tallahassee and lived in Vero Beach since 2006, coming from Jacksonville.
He practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Jacksonville for 22 years and most recently worked as a senior physician for the Indian River County Health Department. He volunteered as a medical missionary with the Jamaican Medical Mission of the Presbyterian church and as an advocate with Jacksonville Victims Services. A former chief of staff at Methodist Medical Center, he served as president of the North East Florida Medical Association and president of the Florida Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association.
He graduated from New Stanton High School in 1969, earned his bachelor of science degree as a chemistry major at Howard University, graduated from the University of Florida Medical School in 1977 and served a medical residency in OB/GYN at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Shirley Dixon Atkins, of Vero Beach; son, Joshua Vernard Atkins, of Tallahassee; sisters, Brenda Kemp Alston, of Seattle, Linda Kemp McClendon, of Jacksonville, Anna Marie Atkins Toler, of Miami and Amy Atkins and Sharon Atkins, both of Sarasota; brother, Brian Atkins, of Tampa; and stepmother, Gwendolyn Atkins, of Sarasota.
Memorial contributions may be made to Woodlawn Presbyterian Church General Scholarship Fund, 3026 Woodlawn Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209; or Jamaican Mission Medical Team at the Presbytery of St. Augustine, 1937 University Blvd. W., Jacksonville, FL 32217.
