Francis Gray "Curly" Atkinson

Francis Gray Atkinson “Curly”, USN Ret – Nashua, NH

Francis Gray Atkinson “Curly”, USN Ret, 88, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2024.

Francis was born on January 22, 1936 to Eugene and Lucy Atkinson in Virginia and was the youngest of four siblings. Francis was a devoted husband of the late Dora (Pappas) Atkinson.

Joining the United States Navy in 1954, Francis served with distinction before being honorably discharged in March of 1974. His time in the Navy included deployments in Korea and voyages to numerous ports of call around the world on many ships. After retiring, he then went on to work at Quincy Shipyard, General Electric, and General Dynamics as a welder.

Francis was also a Master Mason for over 50 years as a proud member of the Star of Bethlehem Lodge in Wakefield, MA.

In 2004, Francis embraced retirement fully, moving in with his granddaughter Jennifer and husband Kevin Murphy, and great-granddaughters Rachel and Brooke in Salem, NH.

In his free time, Francis loved to golf, play softball, read the newspaper, complete crossword puzzles, watch sporting events, and spend time with his family. He always had a smiling face and a story to tell.

Francis is survived by his daughter Denise Atkinson and son Tommy and wife Debbie Laudenslager. Francis was predeceased by his daughter Dondee Boylan and son Kenneth and wife Julia Laudenslager.

He was a loving grandfather of Jennifer, Tracy, Tami, Lisa, Tiffany, Janet, Stefani, Zackery, Erin, Phoenix, and Jasper. Proud great-grandfather of Rachel, Brooke, Evan, Siarra, MaKenna, Lucy, Cameron, Memphis, Austin, Abram, Jackson, Nora, Mya, Isaiah, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Francis was the most selfless, loving, giving and honorable man to those who got the pleasure to know him. He will be missed by many.

Calling hours are Monday, April 29, 2024 from 2 – 5 PM at Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079.  A Masonic Service will take place at 3:30 PM and U.S. Navy Honors will be rendered at 5 PM.

Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Gray "Curly" Atkinson, please visit our floral store.