Bemis Thomas Atkins Jr.'s Obituary
Bemis Thomas Atkins Jr., A Memphis Architect AIA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1, 2020. He was 81. Bemis, born in Memphis, earned his Master of Architecture degree at Tulane University that began his career in New Orleans working with a noted structural engineer on the design of a covering for Mexico City’s bullfight arena. After a few years he moved home and joined the firm of Gassner-Nathan-Browne Architects where he was noted for such designs as the Airpark Inn at Reelfoot Lake, and the Commercial & Industrial Bank building on Madison Avenue.
In the early 70’s he designed his own office in the DeLuxe Arcade Building downtown and went on to design many fine offices and residences in the Memphis area as well as a luxurious home in Acapulco. In the 80’s he designed his office at 245 Wagner Street overlooking the river. In addition to practicing architecture, he had grown up as the “Pronto Pup” inventor’s son and spent years in Tennessee, Mississippi & Alabama traveling with the concessions. His sister took over the Pronto Pup operations which led him to create a roasted corn concession known as “Shucks”, that was always seen at the Memphis Mid-South Fair, Memphis in May and other local festivals. Food concessions and the carnival atmosphere were just as much as part of his life as the practice of architecture. Years of experience in the food service industry made restaurant design a natural entryway for Bemis in creating restaurants such as Owen Brennans, The Half Shell, Salsa Mexican Restaurant, Folk's Folly Prime Steak House, Villa Castrioti, Alfred's On Beale, J.W. Miller's Hernando Steakhouse & Mulligans of Jackson. In later years he teamed up with colleagues to design the Malco Paradiso Movie Theater & the Living/Learning Residence Hall at the University of Memphis. Bemis designed a three section Plaza for Johnny Cash’s tribute statue located at Cooper & Young where Bemis grew up.
Bemis was a larger than life, robust guy, who led a rich full life. He loved sitting & discussing the day with family & friends by fireplaces & hanging out in low-key beach towns in Florida; Sanibel, Captiva, Siesta Key & Grayton Beach. He enjoyed spending time in Mexico, and he was also very fond of Hot Springs, Arkansas where the bath houses had a high appeal. He had a longing for Tiki bars and understood how bar culture worked and would enjoy with friends one night a week to investigate such places for conversation and general observation. Camping with friends and large campfires at Reelfoot Lake was his second home. He had a very fine left hand that produced beautiful pen and ink drawings and sketches which he liked to post up in his studio overlooking the Mississippi River at The Lofts at South Bluffs. He was the last of a breed of architects that did everything by hand. He thought of himself just as much a carny as well as an architect. As he would say... “Live It Up”!
Bemis is preceded in death by his parents, Bemis & Ida Atkins Sr. and grandchild Jesse Lee Atkins.
He is survived by his children; Bemis Thomas Atkins III, Renee/Constantine Stratos, Jennifer Arnold, Stephanie Leibick & two grandchildren. Sister; Sharon/Danny Andreini. Friend Mary Truett. Many nephews, nieces & friends in Memphis and around the world.
His memories will be with his parents Bemis and Ida Atkins at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis, but his remains will be at Reelfoot Lake.
God has Bemis in His keeping and we have him in our Hearts.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in honor of Bemis Atkins Jr.
To: WKNO-TV or WEVL 89.9 FM, where Bemis designed the radio station building.
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