Arnold “Buddy” Atkinson Jr. - beloved father, son, brother, uncle, respected colleague, and cherished friend to many, passed away on September 9, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Buddy was born on February 12, 1966, in Albion, Michigan, to his proud parents, Arnoldo Atkinson Sr. and Vicki Arline Atkinson (Fletcher). In 1971, Buddy moved with his family to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he would grow up, build his life, raise his family, and ultimately dedicate nearly three decades to serving his community.

Buddy graduated from Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi. On November 6, 1993, he married Veronica Barrera. Together, they were blessed with two children, Alexandra Nicole Atkinson and Arnold Joseph Atkinson, whom they cherished with all their hearts. Buddy and Veronica later divorced in 2020 but remained close friends the remainder of their lives. Family was an important part of Buddy’s life, and being a father was among his greatest blessings.

Following graduation, Buddy worked alongside his father at Central Kitchen, repairing and installing ice machines. His path would eventually lead him to a calling that became a defining part of his life: the fire service.

On January 6, 1997, Buddy joined the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Through dedication, hard work, leadership, and the respect of his fellow firefighters, he rose through the ranks and became Captain Atkinson. Yet no matter his title or rank, to those who knew and loved him, he always remained simply “Buddy.”

For 29 years, Buddy faithfully served the Corpus Christi Fire Department and the community he called home. Throughout his career, he served at Fire Stations 1, 10, and 11, and spent the last 20 years of his career at Fire Station 13.

Over nearly three decades of service, Buddy responded to countless emergencies, helping save lives and protect property. His greatest contribution, however, cannot be measured solely by the calls he answered. It can also be found in the firefighters he mentored, the friendships he formed, and the example he set.

Buddy was known throughout the firehouse for his leadership, tremendous work ethic, dependability, and keen sense of humor. He mentored many firefighters during his career, generously sharing his knowledge and experience with those who served beside him. His influence will remain a lasting part of the Corpus Christi Fire Department and in the lives and careers of the many firefighters who had the privilege of working alongside him or simply crossing his path.

In the months preceding his passing, Buddy courageously battled occupational cancer. His passing is recognized as a Line of Duty Death (LODD) as a result of occupational cancer. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the risk’s firefighters continue to carry long after an emergency call has ended.

The Corpus Christi Fire Department has lost a remarkable captain and respected leader, but most importantly, countless firefighters have lost a trusted colleague, mentor, brother, and friend. Buddy’s 29 years of dedicated service leave behind a legacy of courage, leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to his community that will not be forgotten.

Away from the firehouse, Buddy was a man of many talents. He loved working on classic cars, and there always seemed to be a vintage automobile in his driveway capable of making people of any generation stop and admire it. He also had a gift for renovating homes and woodworking. Buddy not only worked on his own home, but because of his generous nature, he was always willing to lend his skills and his hands to family and friends who needed help with a repair or project.

Staying physically fit was also important to Buddy. He understood the strength and endurance required to serve his community as a firefighter, but working out also became something personal to him—a healthy and relaxing escape that he genuinely enjoyed.

Buddy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Veronica Barrera Atkinson, who passed away in 2024; his father, Arnoldo Atkinson Sr., who passed away in 2011; his paternal grandparents, Henry Atkinson and Viola Atkinson; and his maternal grandparents, Victor C. Fletcher and Arline E. Fletcher.

Left to cherish Buddy’s memory are his beloved children, Alexandra Nicole Atkinson and Arnold Joseph Atkinson; his sisters, Lisa Lynn Atkinson and Lori Ann Reeves; his nephews, Justin L. Serrato and Chance N. Serrato; along with his extended family, his brothers and sisters of the Corpus Christi Fire Department, and the many friends.

Buddy spent his life serving others—first as a devoted son, husband, and father, and then as a firefighter, captain, mentor, and friend. His uniform represented his profession, but his compassion, humor, generosity, courage, and willingness to help others represented the man beneath it.

Although his final alarm has sounded, the lessons he taught, the firefighters he mentored, the lives he helped save, and the family and friends he loved will carry his memory forward.

Captain Arnold “Buddy” Atkinson Jr. answered the call for 29 years. His service is complete, but his legacy will remain.

Rest easy, Captain. We’ll take it from here.

Please leave your condolences by signing the guestbook below.

Service Information- 

Visitation- Monday, September 21, 2026 from 4:00 - 8:00pm at Guardian Funeral Home located at 5922 Crosstown, Corpus Christi, Texas 78417

Funeral Service- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church located at 900 S. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.

Flowers should be delivered to Guardian Funeral Home before Tuesday, September 22nd.