Alvis Atwell

Alvis Arley Atwell, 103, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, June 3, 2010. He died peacefully at his home, with loved ones by his side, after a brief illness. He was born April 19, 1907 in Ceres, Va. where he lived his entire life and made his living farming the land that he loved. He was a gentle, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to his family and a beloved friend to all who knew him. He was a member of Goodman's Chapel United Methodist Church where he held many offices in past years. He was a former lay speaker for the Ceres Methodist Charge for many years. He was the last remaining charter member of the Ceres Ruritan Club and an inactive member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Virginia Rebekah Association. He was a member of the Smyth County Farm Bureau and a past member of the Rich Valley Farmers Club. Alvis was the last surviving child of the late John Edward and Laura Josephine Baumgardner Atwell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Cregger Atwell, two brothers and nine sisters. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, June Ellen and Carl Russell, of Marion, Va.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Alvis Duane and Geraldine Atwell, of Gettysburg, Pa., Noel W. and Julienne Atwell, of Westminster, Md. and Donnie Ray and Barbara Atwell, of Taneytown, Md. Also surviving are his caregivers, Tony and Jan Russell and Peggy Sue Ellison, all of Ceres, Va.; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 3 p.m. at the Bland Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Will Shelton officiating. Interment will follow in Bethany U.M.C. Cemetery in Ceres. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Cemetery Fund, c/o Otho Cassell, West Blue Grass Trail, Ceres, Va. 24318 or to the charity of choice. Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, Va. is in charge of arrangements.