Ray Charles Atkins, who was born in Oklahoma Sept. 6, 1936, and two years later moved with his family to California, where he would live the rest of his life, died Jan. 28, 2009, from cancer. He was 72 years old. The son of Lawrence B. Atkins and Velma Foshee Atkins, Mr. Atkins was a self-employed general building contractor and realtor for 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sonya Atkins of Yucca Valley, sons Kenneth Atkins of Louisville, Ky., and Daniel Atkins of Seattle, Wash., daughter Susan Atkins Rodda of Sublimity, Ore., and 11 grandchildren. A six-year resident of Yucca Valley, Mr. Atkins was part of the music ministry at Jesus House of Prayer in Joshua Tree. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations my be made to the Jesus House of Prayer food ministry.