Atkins was born on November 18, 1866, in
Brunswick, Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the same state in January 1888. While serving as Ship's Cook First Class on the , at sea on February 11, 1898, he and Gunner's Mate Third Class
John Everetts attempted to save the drowning officer Ensign
Joseph Breckinridge, who had fallen overboard. For their conduct on this occasion, both Atkins and Everetts were recipients of the Medal of Honor. Atkins later obtained the rank of Chief Commissary Steward and retired in October 1921. Atkins died on May 11, 1923, at
Portsmouth, Virginia, and was buried in Captain Ted Conaway Memorial Naval Cemetery in the same city. ==Medal of Honor citation==