William Henry Atkinson III, 51, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford. A graveside service will held at 11 a.m. Friday at Cambridge Cemetery, County Road 202, in Abbeville with the Rev. Jim Peterman officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 this evening at North Oxford Baptist Church. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Born in Miami, Florida, he had lived in the Oxford area for many years and was best known as “Big E,” which was his persona when performing his act as an Elvis tribute artist with his band, The Mississippi Boys. Having a generous heart, he performed benefits, charity functions and many other shows at no charge. He took much pleasure in helping people any way he could. “Big E” was a greeter at Walmart in Oxford where he welcomed everyone with a smile and often a hug. His miniature dachshunds, Elvis, Priscilla and Jessie will sorely miss him.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Atkinson of Oxford; father, William Henry Atkinson Jr., of Oxford; five sisters, Janice McPherson, Vickie Atkinson, Jennie Foster, all of Houlka, Tiffany Atkinson of Bruce and Michelle Brown of Illinois, and brother, Jerry Dixon of Houlka.

Memorial donations may be made to the Will Atkinson Funeral Fund, c/o Coleman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 160, Oxford, MS 38655.

Online condolences may be left on the tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhome. com.