Dr. Eduardo Atkinson, 64, of Rancho Viejo, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2012 at his residence. Dr. Eduardo Atkinson was born in La Paloma, Texas on December 22, 1947 to the late Henry and Viola (Keller) Atkinson. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew of his generosity and love for God, his family and work. Always the perfect student, he excelled in public school and since elementary school, aspired to be a physician. Because of economic challenges and love for his country, he enlisted in the Army, where he served in the Special Forces as a Green Beret for two tours in Viet Nam. Dr. Atkinson then enrolled at Pan American University in Edinburg, where he met his wife and earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Biology and Chemistry. At the age of 31, he decided to pursue his dream to become a doctor, and soon after, enrolled at Baylor School of Medicine, where he specialized in Family Practice. After completing his internship at the San Antonio Health Science Center, he returned to his beloved community in 1988 to join the San Benito Medical Associates, where he was a partner for the last 24 years. Dr. Atkinson loved to travel with his wife on cruises to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Dr. Atkinson was loved by his family, patients and friends for his good sense of humor, compassion, and dedication to helping people. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert L. Atkinson and Arnold Atkinson, sister-in-law Jo Atkinson and father-in-law Leonel Melchor Leal. Dr. Atkinson is survived by his wife of 28 years, Dr. Alma G. Leal; his sister, Adeline (Rudy) Gracia; brother, Henry Atkinson; Sisters-in-law: Deborah Atkinson, Liz Atkinson, Irma I. L. Cavazos, Mary Haidee Leal, Nydia (Carlos) Canas; Mother-in-law Margarita Cantu Leal; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm with a holy rosary at 7:00 pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Viewing will continue on Friday, September 14, 2012 from 10am to 2pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1200 Lincoln Street, Brownsville, TX. Mass of Resurrection will begin at 2:00pm with Father Francisco Acosta officiating. Committal service will follow to Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TX. Military Honors will be conducted at graveside by Anerican Legion John Hanson Post 43 of Brownsville, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Rudy Gracia, Rudy Gracia Jr., Buddy Atkinson, Christopher Atkinson, Carlos Cañaz, and Jonathan Melendez. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Dr. Eduardo Atkinson at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.