Raymond Atchley Jr.: Public servant and lover of life

He was a talker. Fun to be around. He loved life. That's how friends and family described Raymond Atchley Jr., who died Sept. 19 after a career of public service.

"He loved his friends, he certainly loved his family and he was a fun person to be around," said Raymond Mondragon, who worked with Atchley in the Clovis Police Department in the 1970s and '80s.

"(He) gave his public service, not only to his community but to his state. That is what he enjoyed, was helping people," Mondragon said.

Atchley, 68, died Sept. 19 trying to remove a tree that had fallen onto his house. Family members called for help and four emergency personnel units responded, but he died at the scene.

Atchley spent his life in Clovis and had many titles in his working career. Family members wrote in his obituary his most profound titles were husband, father and grandfather.

Mondragon described his friend as a "talker." He would start a conversation with anyone about any subject, Mondragon said. He said Atchley was naturally charismatic and forthcoming.

"He's got the face of a Raymond Atchley. Just by looking at his picture, it just brings a smile to your face," Mondragon said.

According to Atchley's obituary, he had several hobbies that included teaching, reading, building models and many more. Mondragon said Atchley also played the role of prankster to stir some laughter and joy to his family.

Jennifer Atchley said her father would always find new and exciting hobbies for them to work on together. She said some of her fondest memories of her father were when he would pick random items in the store and do random skits to get a chuckle out of her.

"My dad was like my best friend, my partner in crime. We were always getting into something together, but my dad was a teacher and he always taught me," Jennifer said.

She said some of Atchley's best qualities were that he always found the perfect balance of being a "goofball" and being serious. She said to his community he was a man to admire.

"He was always taking care of everybody. Over the last few years he really enjoyed being a teacher and really loved his students. He always wanted to make sure everyone was prepared for life, especially his students and me," Jennifer said.