Johnnie Atwood

Mr. Johnnie Atwood, age 83, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020 at his residence with his loving family by his side.  The son of the late George and Flora McKinney Atwood, he was born in Avery County, North Carolina on December 19, 1936.

He was preceded in death by, in addition to his parents, his wife, Juanita Burleson Atwood, who passed away on October 25, 2011; one son, Ronald Atwood; one granddaughter, Penny Atwood Crisco; two sisters, Kathleen Parker and Verna Mae Stewart; one brother, Donald Atwood; and his little canine companion, Peanut. 

A longtime member of Garden Creek Baptist Church, Johnnie was a great provider for his children, making sure they were taken care of while they were growing up.  Known to many as “papaw”, Johnnie enjoyed making people laugh by joking with them or getting a “gag” gift for them at Christmas.  A jack of all trades, he will be remembered for his ability to grow watermelons and tommy toe tomatoes on his landscape rocks at his home.

Mr. Atwood is survived by four daughters, Debi Atwood, Kimberly Swank (Brent), Melissa Kirby (John) and Robin Atwood; siblings, Jean Gilliland, Marie Fender, Naomi McAbee, David Atwood (Odella) and Roy Lee Atwood; seven grandchildren, John Paul Atwood (Angela), Jordan Harrell (known as his shadow), Jake Elliott, Brianna Colby (Ethan), Katie Replogle and Taylor Replogle; four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  He is also survived by a special daughter, Emily Oley; two daughters-in-law, Glenda Williams and Sandy Lott; and last but not least, his feline companion, Callie.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. Richard Merritt, Rev. John Kirby, Rev. Allen McKinney and Mr. Billy Martin officiating.  Entombment will follow at McDowell Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.