Lum Atkinson at 95

Gulfport Ball Field Namesake Celebrated with House Party

Lum Atkinson, center, celebrated his birthday with friends, family and Little Leaguers he’s mentored through the years.

Photo by Cookie Cottrell

By Gabber Staff

If you’re a Gulfport resident, the name Lum Atkinson might be familiar to you – the longtime coach and supporter of Gulfport Little League has ball fields named after him in Tomlinson Park. On June 19, Lum’s family and friends celebrated his 95th birthday (which was June 23) at an “open house” party, with many of the Little Leaguers he coached through the years making an appearance.

“He was so deeply touched by the outpouring of birthday wishes and love that he received,” said daughter Cookie. “Some of these men he hadn’t seen in years. It was a very nice day.”

Happy birthday, Lum!