Bryan Matthew Atkins

Bryan Matthew Atkins (known to his friends as BA), age 33, passed away peacefully Monday evening, surrounded by his mother, brothers, grandparents and his fiancée Rachel (Ray Ray) at UNC Hospital.  He will forever be remembered for his zest for life and family, sense of humor, love of everything Duke and the game of golf.  He was preceded in death by his father Paul, paternal grandparents Bo and Margaret Atkins and mother in law Angela Parisi.  

Bryan had a kind heart and never met a stranger.  He showed kindness towards those in need, particularly the homeless, and always had a desire to help the community.  From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a fireman and finally was able to fulfill that dream by becoming a volunteer fireman for the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department.

He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Main Street-Downtown Durham”.   He was an excellent cook and loved to cook with his grandpa, Mr. Eddie, although it was his opinion that no one could cook better than his grandma.  He would always look forward to cooking for the many family gatherings.  We will surely miss him and his cooking at our family dinners. 

Anyone who knew Bryan knew he loved to call his dad after playing a round of golf.  Losing his dad left such a big hole in his heart.  He was so close to his dad and we can only imagine what a homecoming it was for the two of them.  We are heartbroken that he is gone from us but comforted that he is with Paul. 

He was a graduate of Jordan High School and a proud Falcon.  His love of golf turned into a career after he graduated from Golf Academy of America. He also graduated from Alamance Community College’s Fire Academy.

He held a special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews (Brody, Madison, Harper, Evelynn, and Arabella) who adored their Uncle Bryan.  He loved to play as he was a kid at heart. 

He is survived by his mom, Teri; two brothers Chris (Sam) and Nic (Jo); maternal grandparents Eddie and Pat Williams; the love of his life, fiancée Rachel Parisi; sister-in-law Tanya Vassos (Greg); brother-in-law Paulie Parisi and the best dog ever, Hogan.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, from 11:00 am -12:30pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 2016 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Chapel Hill NC 27517 with service to follow at 1:00 pm. The Reverend Barrett Freeman will be officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department, 5722 Old Greensboro Road, Chapel Hill NC 27516.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Atkins family.