Groce Funeral Home
https://www.grocefuneralhome.com
John "Spencer" Atwater, Jr. passed away on October 5, 2024, after a courageous battle to recover from a stroke and spinal cord injury sustained in 2020.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Marion Richards Atwater. Spencer is survived by his four children: Whitney Atwater of Brooklyn, NY; John Atwater of Asheville, NC; Sara Atwater, MD of Winston-Salem, NC; and Tom Atwater of Asheville, NC. He also leaves behind his cherished grandson, Mason Atwater of Asheville, NC, as well as his sister, Libba Drewicz (Tom) of Atlanta, GA, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born on September 14, 1944, in Rochester, MN, Spencer was the son of John Spencer Atwater, Sr. and Virginia Zipplies Atwater. He grew up in Atlanta, GA, where he graduated from Westminster School. His lifelong passion for sailing began during childhood summers spent at Camp Seagull in North Carolina with his brother, Paul, where he later became the head counselor of the sailing program while in college.
Spencer attended Washington & Lee University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then pursued his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, where he met his wife, Marion. After earning his degree, he completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship training in allergy and immunology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
His medical training was briefly interrupted by his service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, primarily stationed in Blytheville, Arkansas, for two years.
In 1977, after completing his medical training, Spencer and Marion relocated to Asheville, NC, where he founded his allergy practice, which evolved into Allergy Partners, PA?the largest private allergy practice in the country, boasting over 150 allergists.
Spencer's professional accomplishments are numerous. In addition to building his practice, he was deeply involved in the local, state, and national medical community. He served as president of the Buncombe County Medical Society and contributed to state-level initiatives on asthma. He was also a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Spencer never lost his love for sailing, which brought him immense joy. He sailed extensively throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean, and kept a small sailboat at Lake Julian when he couldn't get to the ocean.
Beyond sailing, Spencer was a longtime supporter of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and an avid golfer at Biltmore Forest Country Club, where he also served as president. He was a dedicated member of the Episcopal Church, actively participating at Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry.
Known for his kindness, sense of humor, and a twinkle in his eye, Spencer cherished his family and friends. His devoted friends continued to visit him weekly after his stroke, providing unwavering support. His children worked tirelessly to keep him comfortable at their longtime home in Biltmore, which remarkably withstood multiple crashing trees during Hurricane Helene?something Spencer would have found amusing as a sailor.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his care team over the past four years, especially Kathy Avilla, Dina Harrison, Woody Henry, Sujata Limbu, John McDaniel, Alistair Nayar, and Mike Stanton, along with the support of Dr. Rick Arwood, Four Seasons Hospice, and Lisa Laney of Mountain Area Premier Care Navigation.
Due to Hurricane Helene, funeral service plans are currently delayed. Please check back for updates regarding service details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church (trinityasheville.org) or to Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Groce Funeral Home's Lake Julian team in Arden, NC is assisting the family and a guest register is available online at grocefuneralhome.com.
LINKS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Memoriams
http://www.ajc.com
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