He wasnt atheist, he was an anti-theist! (if not misotheist)
There is a difference and this is a politically move/choice, with US at its epicenter, for the obvious reasons.
He chose to be a vessel of this propaganda that expands and abuses public opinion, exactly like the churches did.
He, also took advantage of the "cool factor" it adds, to a liberated from spiritual constraints mind.
Following the trends and being the pawn of influent men, never made anyone a hero...
History will forget him by tomorrow and his stance leaves no place for solace to his beloved ones, in a such a soul-less world, he was livin...
From dust to dust, his circle has ended, his own free will, made a choice to reject God, completely, hopefully for him, he wont be regretting now...
i wonder though, what was the last thing he was thinking of.