Atkinson played more than 500 times for Leeds Rhinos and clocked up dozens of games for Great Britain during the 1960s and 70s.
The former winger developed Alzheimer's five years ago and was being cared for by his wife Carol Butterfield.
Paying tribute, Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "He was one of those special players, a match winner."
Atkinson began his playing career with Leeds in 1966 after signing from Roundhay Rugby Union club.
