A longtime employee shares nearly 80 year legacy at a Hartsville funeral home and doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
94 year-old Charles Atkins, who goes by Billy, began his career at the Brown-Pennington Atkins funeral parlor back in 1941.
The funeral home was originally named the Brown and Pennington funeral home, but owners eventually changed the name to reflect the addition of a longtime employee.
“Mr. and Mrs. Brown and Mr. Pennington treated me like I was there only child, so I have been fortunate really,” said Billy.
The funeral director, Steve Winbure says he feels inspired everyday by how much time and effort Billy puts into his job.
“Not everyday do you see a man that comes to work, everyday, before eight o’clock in the morning sometimes till five or six o’clock in the afternoon and enjoys spending time at work,” Winbure said.
After 77 years, Billy knows he made the right choice by following his dream.
“No I wouldn’t give up if I could do it over, I would do the same thing,” said Mr. Atkins.
Billy turns 95 this year and says he will continue to follow his passion.
