Dr. John F. Atha

Dr. John F. Atha, age 79, of Rockmart, GA passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Dr. John F. Atha was born in Epworth, Georgia, May 20, 1934 to W.J. Atha, a Methodist Minister and Ruth Crocker Atha, a school teacher, John’s early education took place in North Georgia graduating from Rome High School in 1952. He attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee 1952 to 1953, joining the United States Air Force 1953 to 1957. John was married to Barbara Beatrice O’Dell R.N. in 1954. They have five children, Donna Yvonne Davitte, B.S.R.N., born 1957, Karen Atha Lynn, J.D., born 1959, John Benjamin Atha, Master’s Degree E.E., born 1961, Walter Fleming Atha, M.D., born 1966 and Thomas Francis Atha, B.A., born 1968; John has one brother, William Jackson, Atha, Jr; ten grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joy Ruth Moyer.

After completing his tour of duty in the United States Air Force John resumed his pre-med education at the University of Georgia, 1957-1959, medical education at the Medical College of Georgia, 1959-1963, internship, Floyd Medical Center and general practice residency at Columbus Medical Center, Columbus, Georgia, 1964-1966.

John entered General Practice with T. E. Cummings M.D. in 1966 and practiced with him until his death in 1990. He continued the practice until 2000. From 2000-2003 he practiced at Urgent Care in Cedartown, Georgia until his retirement.

John was a member of A.M.A., M.A.G., American Academy of General Practice, President of 7th. District Medical Society, Polk County Board of Health, Georgia Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Polk County Department of Family and Children Services, Medical Sports Committee of MAG, Preceptor for Family Practice Residency, and served as doctor for a day for the Georgia Assembly for five years, member of the Polk County Mental Health Association and Medical Examiner for East Polk County Coroner’s Office.

He was a member of the Rockmart City Council 1976-1986, member of Polk County School Board 1986-1994, Team Physician for Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Dr. Atha was also selected as Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of Rockmart, 1986.

Dr. Atha was a member and Elder at the Rockmart Presbyterian Church for the past 48 years. He has been a member of the Rockmart Community Chorus since 1976. Dr. Atha dedicated his life to his family and the people of Polk County. His love and leadership will be missed.

Funeral services originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rockmart Presbyterian Church with Rev. Maryellen Hittel officiating have been rescheduled due to inclement weather to Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rockmart Presbyterian Church.. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Dr. Atha will lie instate at the Rockmart Presbyterian Church Friday from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Pallbearers will include: Victor Atha, Steve Atha, Will Atha, Josh Atha, Reggie Smallwood, Matt Smallwood, Michael Griffith and Douglas Moyer.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made to the Rockmart Presbyterian Church in Dr. Atha’s memory.

The Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home, Rockmart is in charge of arrangements.