Racine, WI – Esker Atterberry Jr. affectionately known as “Booty” to his family was born to Laudellia (nee: Hamilton) Atterberry and Esker Atterberry Sr. on August 25, 1949, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He accepted Christ at an early age and continued his faith in God until his death.
Esker graduated from Washington Park High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He was the first generation of the Hamilton Family to become a college graduate. During his tenure at the University Esker became a member of the “Omega Psi Phi” fraternity and was very proud to be part of that brotherhood. Upon his graduation from college he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he began his career in management for SkyChef Catering with American Airlines. He loved traveling and was able to travel all over the world until his retirement moving back to Racine, Wisconsin. Esker loved music and dancing, he was our “Fred Astaire” as he was so smooth on the dance floor. He was also an avid reader and loved spending time with his family and encouraged the younger generation to become great readers as well.
Esker transitioned to eternal life on Tuesday December 28, 2021. He leaves to treasure many loving memories, his siblings Theresa A. Golden of Hawthorne, CA and Linda (Darrell) Rice -Bullock of Lancaster, CA; special friend Sheila Grandy; sister-in-love Flora Atterberry; special aunt Rosie Riley; special cousins Ada Hamilton, and Herbert Hamilton; goddaughter Makisha Barker; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Esker Atterberry Sr. and Laudellia Atterberry; grandparents Mary and Willie Hamilton, Edward Atterberry; William Rice A.K.A. “Dad”; brothers Clayton Atterberry, Willie Atterberry, and Charles Atterberry.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 745 Main Street, Racine, WI. Pastor Melvin Hargrove will be officiating. Visitation will be at the church 10:00am – 11:00am.
Sherby A. Oliver-Taylor says
Esker you were a friend growing up in Racine. You became good friends with my Meredith in Madison while we all attended U W. So many good memories! Rest In Peace.
Joyce Cook says
So sorry The family loss
Denise McWhorter says
My Condolences to the Atterberry and Hamilton families, of the losses of loved ones to their empire….may God heal your pain and keep you moving for family’s sake😇💞
Barb Madisen says
My good and long time friend. I will miss you very much. We always laughed so hard. I am so sure you are happily sitting, dancing,and laughing with your beloved family. Give them all a hug for me. Love and friendship always.
Sharon Shelton Williams says
Words can not express the feelings my family has for your family. I know God makes no mistakes .See you on the other side.
Bro. Peter J. Payne says
Brother until we meet again. F.I.E.T.T.S.
Evelyn Clark says
With heartfelt sympathy to the families 🙏🏽
Anonymous says
Esker I just don’t have words for the way I feel about your passing. I’m still in shock and is devastated to say the least. We’ve always been close. I’m gonna miss us talking and laughing on the phone ,you keeping me up with the Racine gossip, and that one of a kind laugh. Rest In Peace cousin. I’ll never forget you and all the good times we had. Your favorite cousin,
Valencia Bogan💔😢
LaRita Winston says
Growing up in and around this family you found out how quickly you became family with them. The Lo ve of this family is like none other. From the aunts , uncles, sisters and brothers we learned early. If you were in. You were welcome. Heard so much about education whenever Esker’s name was brought. Now I really know why. You will forever be LOVED. as your life is celebrated.
Therita. ( Tee ) Bogsn says
To my cousins Ann And Linda, you have my deepest Condolences in the loss of your brother Esker, I didn’t know him as much as I knew Bright Eye. I was around 10 years old when he graduated from High School, when he came back to Racine I did get to see him . I knew he was Bright Eye’s brother I love yall.
Michael T. Nelson says
Oh what a terrible loss. I attended Jr. High, and High School with Esker, and thought the world of him. A wonderful person. Kind to all. I alway’s knew Esker would become a well educated individual, as his story tells. He was very smart. It’s been over 50 years since I have seen him, and now he goes to re-join his family, and recently lost brother. I’ll have to tell my wife to look for you, for you are a true GEM. My condolences to the entire Atterberry families.
Marcus Martin says
My Condolences and Prayers go out to the Atterberry and Hamilton Families.
The Cotton Family says
Our prayers and condolences to the Hamilton Family, Hold to Gods unchanging hand🙏🏽
Valerie Oliver says
RIP.
My deepest condolences to the Atterberry and Hamilton Family.
Joyce Shelton-Smith says
My brother from another mother. Our Mead St Mom MA Der. Rest now my other.
Cathanetia Riley says
I will miss you Tremendously cousin😢😢
Rose M Turner-Hooker says
Sending LOVE, HUGS and PRAYERS to the Atterberry and Hamilton families. May God’s comforting GRACE surround you and carry you through as you take one day at a time
Letha R. Chattman says
Esker you will be truly missed. I will cherish our funny conversations with our mutual friend. Rest in Paradise!!
Maggie Cobb says
My prayers an condolences to the family May God give you comfort.
Diana L Dearring, Long Beach, CA says
To the Atterberry Family,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of my classmate, Esker. We went to Park High School together. He was a nice guy and smooth dancer. May God bless and comfort you during your time of grief. He will be missed!
Rebecca Harris says
I am in shock reading this. I will miss your laugh,your smile,advice and friendship You will sadly be missed but happily remembered. Til we meet again
Ann Kirkwood andFamily says
To the Family of Esker Atterberry :
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family. I have so many memories of Clayton, Willie, and Esker. They were like my brothers and always showed me lots of love. May you all rest in peace. Thank you for the love you shared on earth ♥️
Teena Searcy Davis says
So sorry to hear about Esker. He was a long time friend. May he be in Jehovah God’s memory. Until we meet again dear friend.
Dadra Lockridge says
I miss you Esker…May God bless your soul, love always Dadra.