Dr. Larry Atwell

Dr. Larry Baxter Atwell, 76, of Rome, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2022.

Larry was born on February 25, 1946, to John Lee Atwell and Zora Ollis Atwell in Banner Elk, N.C. He spent a few of his early years in Detroit but mostly grew up in and around Boone, N.C.

Larry Atwell attended Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C., received his Master's of Education at the University of South Carolina and earned a doctorate at Georgia State University. He began his career in education in 1970 as a teacher in Cayce, S.C. He later served as Assistant Principal and Principal at schools in Sumter, S.C.

In 1980, Dr. Atwell joined Rome City Schools as a Title I Director. Two years later, he was named Assistant Superintendent and served as Superintendent for 14 years. During his tenure, he was a tremendous leader to many and focused much of his efforts on ensuring that all children in our community had access to a quality education and opportunities to succeed. After retiring from Rome City Schools in 2003, he remained active serving his community through various committees and organizations such as SPLOST and the Christmas Parade, Rotary, the Library Board, and many, many others. He was very active at First Baptist Church, serving as a member of the church choir, Chairman of Deacons, and most recently taught Sunday School.

In his spare time, Larry enjoyed playing golf, cheering on his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks, watching the Braves, and rooting for the Rome Wolves at Barron Stadium. He was incredibly devoted to his family and valued spending time with them. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and hosting dinner parties, and he attended almost all of his kids' and grandchildren's sporting events, recitals, karate tournaments, concerts, and anything where he could show his support for their hard work and efforts.

Larry Atwell met his wife Joanna at Mars Hill College, and they married in December 1968. Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joanna Huggins Atwell, his daughters, Erin Atwell Hernandez (Rome) and Lauren Atwell Housley (Athens), sons in law, Sloane Hernandez (Rome) and Matthew Housley (Athens), and grandchildren Sawyer Hernandez, Wells Hernandez, Ollis Housley, and Avie Housley.

The family will receive friends from 1:30pm until 3:00pm on Sunday, May 1, 2022, in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Rome. A Memorial Service will be held immediately following. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church Music Ministry or Broadcast Ministry.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, makes this announcement for the family.