Harry E. Atkinson

For the Premier of New Zealand, see Harry Atkinson. For the English cricketer, see Harry Atkinson (cricketer).

Harry Eugene Atkinson (February 6, 1920 – June 30, 2001)^[1] was the mayor of Newport News, Virginia from July 1, 1974 to July 1, 1976.^[2] His single term in office saw the development of two major landmark buildings in the city's midtown area - the Rouse Tower office complex in 1974^[3] and Newmarket North Mall in 1975. Also completed during Atkinson's term was the first span of the four-lane James River Bridge that would eventually replace the original two-lane bridge.^[4]

Harry E. Atkinson
21st Mayor of Newport News, Virginia
In office July 1, 1974 – July 1, 1976
Preceded by	J. William Hornsby
Succeeded by	Joseph C. Ritchie
Personal details
Born	Harry Eugene Atkinson (1920-02-06)February 6, 1920 Newport News, Virginia, U.S.
Died	June 30, 2001(2001-06-30) (aged 81) Newport News, Virginia, U.S.
Resting place	Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Lora Catherine Thompson ​ ​ (m. 1943)​
Parent(s)	Joseph J Atkinson Lucille Kempton
Profession	Politician
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Battles/wars	World War II

After serving as mayor, Atkinson led a group of Newport News citizens and the Newport News Historical Commission in creating Potter's Field, a city park on the former site of the Warwick County Poor Farm.