Ricky Ladon Atkinson

Hartsville, SC

     It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Ricky Ladon Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 12th, 2026, at the age of 69.

     Ricky was a devoted, proud, and loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and poured his soul into the people around him. He loved his family and friends and would move mountains when tasked with it. Whether it be fixing a car or building a house.

     Ricky loved nothing more than going to the beach, riding the golf cart around the campground, and soaking in the sun while watching the waves roll with his beautiful bride.

     Ricky was very talented in many skills sets from carpentry, fabrication, metal working, and welding. He also loved working on and restoring old muscle cars from the ground up and claiming the nick name, “Racing Rick.” He very proudly and eagerly taught this knowledge, passing it along to so many others. If something was ever dreamed of, Ricky made it a reality.

     Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife, Wanda Atkinson; children: Bryce (Kennedy) Atkinson, Taylor Atkinson, Ryan (Christine) Atkinson; grandchildren: Ryley Atkinson, Reagan Atkinson, Haylie Woody, and Emma Lawhon; siblings, Marie (Eddie) Timmons and Danny Freeman. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, and his lifelong best friends, Danny Oliver, and Billy Smothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

     His funeral service will be conducted at 4 o’clock on Friday afternoon, May 15th, 2026, from the Chapel of Norton Funeral Home. Mr. Rick Young will officiate, and the family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The family also welcomes friends to visit with them anytime after 5 PM on Wednesday or Thursday at the home of Amy Lawhon – 880 Moonshadow Lane, Darlington.

     Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with Mr. Atkinson’s family during this time.