Autry Van "Johnny" Atkins

   Autry Van "Johnny" Atkins was the third born child of Nellie and Elisha Atkins on February 18, 1901 in or around Celina Tn. .He was  age 18 when he came to Texas in 1919 with his six brothers and two sisters and parents. Johnny was a bootlegger during prohibition. I've heard tell every time the law caught onto him he would come up with a new car the next time. He later became a preacher. I've also heard tell that Johnny wore a brown suit, green shirt and red socks. He was first married to Lizzie Mae Burnett Atkins, whom died in Arizona and is buried in Van Alstyne Cemetery, they were only married 6 years before she died at the young age of 24. They Married December 24, 1924.  He second married Myrtle L. Risner in 1933 in Oklahoma . Johnny was a farmer and belonged to the church of Jesus Christ. He died Jan 15, 1988 and is buried at Coffman cemetery in Anna Texas, Collin County.

With Lizzie Mae Burnnet  he had these Children
1. Willie Jack Atkins 1925-25
2. Bettie Jewel Atkins Cothron 1927-?????
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with Mytrle Bradshaw Risner he had the following children
3.Ruby Nell Atkins Bridges 1934-2005
4. Autry Van Atkins 1937-2009
5.Billy Wayne Atkins 1940-1940
6.Deloise Faye Atkins Patrick 1940-
7.Mary E Inge 1943-
8.Ruthie Anne Atkins Pearson 1945-2013