I had encephalitis many years ago and almost died, and I remember where I was while they worked to bring me back. It was a very peaceful place, I have longed for it since then, and I have no fear of being dead or dying itself. I don't believe there is a God or gods (so I guess in that sense I would be atheist), but I know we don't end forever when we die.
I've seen many people right at the moment of death (worked in a hospital), and some screamed in fear while some smiled peacefully or basically fell asleep. I do not want to leave my young children now just as I didn't want to leave my young son at the time many years ago, and I did have a choice then...perhaps I wasn't at the point of no return to my body so I got to choose. But leaving here isn't disappearing, and I do believe there is peace after we leave here. I'm not afraid of dying...not thrilled at the prospect of a long and painful death as I would think most would agree.
But I most likely would be more afraid if I hadn't had that and many other experiences I have had, and I can understand the fear of the unknown.