I’ve mentioned my parents on here a few times, saying they were Atheist, because they passed away, not that they “found religion” but I feel silly/redundant/asking for sympathy, saying it every time. But they aren’t Atheist any more because they aren’t anything anymore. So saying my parents are Atheist is also incorrect. So how would you say it?
BTW, they both lived long full lives, so I’m really not looking for sympathy.
Sensible answer is that they were atheists, simple as that.
Not so sensible is that there may be an after life, which may have surprised them, and they've met god and don't like him so are still atheists, there's no real way of knowing to use the present tense.
Hating god doesn’t make you an Atheist. If they met god than they are no longer Atheists.