Johnny Atkinson

Johnny Ray Atkinson, 66, peacefully left this world Monday, September 5, 2011 at Stillwater Medical Center. He was the seventh of ten children born on June 3, 1945 to the John Henry Atkinson and Gretchen Mae Mother Atkinson. Johnny attended Blaine School until its closing in 1955. He then finished his education at Perry Schools. During Johnnys younger years he was the top chef at Thompsons BBQ. He was well known for his top secret BBQ sauce. Johnny later moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he was employed at A1 Direct Mail and he also helped rear his older brothers Lawrence Swan children. While living in Omaha Johnny met Esther Farmer. One child was born of this union, Maria. Johnny later returned to Perry where he once again began doing what he loved most cooking. Johnny was the head cook with his sister Lillian Brown at the Perry Sale Barn for many years. He served in this capacity at other local restaurants. After hanging up his chefs hat, Johnny remained at home surrounded by his many friends and longtime companion Merrilee Cruz. She preceded him in death in the year 2000. Johnny was known for his kind heart and open doors. His door was always open for his family, friends, and the occasional strangers that did not have a place to go. He never met a stranger. Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Perry, Oklahoma. Rev. Willie Anderson will be officiating. Services are under the direction of BrownDugger Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the charities of your choice in care of BrownDugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. 7th Street, Perry, Oklahoma 73077. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Maria Peak and her husband Dale three grandchildren: Lamar, Jade, and LaDale all of Omaha, Nebraska. One stepdaughter: Doris Cruz of Wichita, Kansas. Five brothers: Benny P. Swan and wife, Irene, of Los Angeles, California Cozy Swan and wife, Fay of Hawthorne, California Lawrence Swan and wife, Anita of Corinth, Texas Wayne Swan and wife, Opal, of Perry, Oklahoma Jim Atkinson of Perry, Oklahoma. Four sisters Betty MitchellCopeland and husband, Lee, of Colorado Springs, Colorado Lillian Brown and husband, Joe, of Perry, Oklahoma Sonia McPherson and husband, Paul, of Perry, Oklahoma and Phyllis Atkinson of Perry, Oklahoma and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Johnny was preceded in death by both of his parents. Online condolences may be sent to the family using the online guestbook at www.brownduggerfuneralhome.com.