John D. Atchley, age 100, died Monday, April 14, 2014 in Amarillo, Texas.
Funeral Services will held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 18, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton, New Mexico. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery in Clayton, New Mexico by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
John Darrell Atchley was born on February 20, 1914 to William Atchley and Etha B. (Thomas) Atchley in Sofia, New Mexico. The family homesteaded there raising a family of seven. John graduated from Grenville High School in 1932 as valedictorian of his class. He farmed and ranched in the 40’s and drove the school bus. John enjoyed playing the saxophone and he played at dances and on family get together’s. He was president of the Malpi Angus Association in Union County and he became a supervisor in the ASC Dept. in the county and later worked for the State Agricultural Office. He later moved to Portales where he owned and operated an Insurance Agency. John was a member of the First Methodist Church in Portales, and attended the First Christian Church in Tulia with his daughter and son-in-law for the past five years. John was also a Mason. He will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit and his hospitality. He was a good business man and a wonderful family man. He was known for his generosity to those in need. During his 100 years; through all the major events, all the technological inventions, and the wars; John stood fast in his love of God, family and friends.He will be sorely missed by all who loved him. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by wife; Willie Mae Atchley, a Son; Darrel Atchley and a grandson; Bartlett Atchley.
SURVIVORS:
1 DAUGHTER: Karel Smith and her husband Jerry of Amarillo, Texas.
1 SISTER: Genevieve Dillon of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1 BROTHER: Gene Atchley of Clayton, New Mexico.
3 PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN: Dr. Rick Smith and his wife Dwinna, Dr. William Smith and Dr. Sara Wierman and her husband Troy.
6 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Rob Smith, Krystal Hodge and her husband Cody, Zach Smith, Reid Smith, Dane Wierman and Cole Wierman.
3 GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Kyah Hodge, Caleb Hodge, and Marlie Smith.
He is survived by nephews and nieces who were precious to him as well.
