Alvis A. Atwell

Alvis Arley Atwell, 103, of Ceres, Va., died Thursday, June 3, 2010, at home. Born April 19, 1907, in Ceres, he was the last surviving child of the late John Edward and Laura Josephine Baumgardner Atwell. He was the husband of the late Mary Ann Cregger Atwell, his wife of 56 years. He had lived his entire life and made his living farming in Ceres. 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. Surviving are daughter and son-in-law June Ellen and Carl Russell, of Marion, Va.; sons and daughters-in-law Alvis Duane and Geraldine Atwell, of Gettysburg, Pa., Noel W. and Julie Atwell, of Westminster, and Donnie Ray and Barbara Atwell, of Taneytown; caregivers, Tony and Jan Russell and Peggy Sue Ellison, all of Ceres; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by two brothers and nine sisters. A celebration of life was held Sunday at the Bland Funeral Chapel in Bland, Va., with the Rev. Will Shelton officiating. Interment followed at Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery in Ceres. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Bethany Cemetery Fund, c/o Otho Cassell, West Blue Grass Trail, Ceres, VA 24318. Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.