Sherrill Lee Atkins (Lee), 82, of Saluda, NC, passed away on November 27, 2025. Born September 14, 1943, in Monroe, NC, he was the son of the late Adolph Adola and Mary Glee (Ferguson) Atkins.

Lee graduated from Hendersonville High School, received a B.A. from NC State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Prior to his legal career, Lee served on the vestry and as a lay reader at the Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda, worked for Deering Milliken, taught at Saluda School and at community colleges in WNC. He supported his family’s agricultural business by assisting his father, A.A. Atkins, on the family farm. Lee later expanded this legacy by founding Apple Mill where the production of fresh cider and apple butter became a hallmark of the family business. Beyond farming, he ran a sawmill on the property, producing boxes for Apple Mill and offering custom woodworking services.

Lee served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 29th Judicial District before beginning private practice in Saluda. Soon afterward, Susan S. Craven joined him as a partner, establishing Atkins & Craven. For many years, he served as City Attorney for Saluda. Lee maintained an active license with the North Carolina Bar Association and practiced law for over 50 years until his death. His most enduring legacy, however, was his extraordinary commitment to pro bono work.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ann (McKericher) Atkins; two children, his son, Alexander McKericher Atkins, and his daughter, Robin Ferguson-Atkins Wierzbicki (Ryan); three grandchildren; one great grandchild; his sister, Flora Sharon (Atkins) van Dijck, and his brother, Adolph A Atkins (Kay). He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Virginia Lee Atkins.

A visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025 at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, NC.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda. A BBQ luncheon in the Parrish Hall will follow the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Round Hill Baptist Church, 6585 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC, 28167.