John "Spencer" Atwater Jr.

john atwater

September 14, 1944 ~ October 5, 2024

Born in: Rochester, Minnesota
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

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.

A Memorial Service will be held starting at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 1 at Trinity Episcopal Church and the family will greet friends at the church immediately following the service. 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 is assisting the family.

Services

Memorial Service: November 1, 2024 2:00 pm

Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Air Force Veteran

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  1. I was Spencer’s caregiver for 4 years. He was the sweetest, kindest man I ever had the pleasure to provide care for. I will miss all the joking and laughter we shared. And the little twinkle in his eyes when I got the last laugh. He was one of a kind. And has left behind an amazing family that he was so proud of and loved more. I will miss Doc !

  2. To the Atwaters, I am so sorry for your loss during a difficult time as well. My prayers are with you and your family. He left a beautiful legacy behind through his family and medical practice. Best wishes to you all xoxo

  3. How I will miss Spencer!The two of us were the two oldest of a dozen first cousins (grandchildren of Bertha and Paul Zipplies of Savannah GA). We had such fun when we were tots, both on the Georgia coast at Tybee beach and in the NC mountains at Buck Forest, a rustic hunting/fishing club that featured wood paneling with many knotholes through which we children could “spy” on the grown-ups. My heart goes out to all who loved Spencer, especially his beloved children and grandson. He has left many wonderful legacies indeed. Love, Marjorie/Margie Anderson Pipkin

  4. Hi, Sara, this is Sandy Lyman, Sterling’s Dad. I am just learning about your wonderful Dad. I am so sorry to hear about Spencer. He was one fine man and Doctor. I see you followed in his footsteps, and are a Doctor yourself. Thank you for your family’s years of friendship. I hope you have heard from Sterling, if not shame on her! You and your whole family are in our prayers. Debbie & I are in a ‘OLe Folks Home in Matthews, NC.
    We ares devastated about our hometown, wonderful Asheville. I was born in Asheville 77 years ago, and lived there until 2+years ago when we moved here to Windsor Run.
    Sara, may the blessings of our Almighty God continue your, and your families the rest of your life. May God Bless Spencer’s soul. Love and prayers, Sandy Lyman

  5. I am saddened to hear of Dr Atwaters passing i was his caregiver for 3yrs and he was the sweetest most loving person you’d ever meet.. him and his family treated me like family and that meant alot he will truly be missed 😢 until we meet again 😢

  6. Dr. Atwater will TRULY be missed in & around our community! Both my older son & I were patients of Dr. Atwater’s. IF you were having a bad day…Dr. Atwater ALWAYS seemed to know how to turn your grey skies to blue through his infectious smile, jokes, & that “twinkle” in his eye’s that peered through his glasses. Dr. Atwater helped figure out my son was HIGHLY allergic to eggs and was unable to receive the MMR injection until he had a negative test to eggs (which my son was almost 6 years when this happened).

    My thoughts & prayers are with the ENTIRE Atwater family.

  7. Tom and Atwater Family. Saying a prayer for you. May your memories brighten every day. Bill and Cindy Pomeroy

  8. Dear Whitney, John, Sarah and Tom,

    Thinking about your dad, and how he enjoyed the finer things in life. Family, friends, good food and libations, and sailing. Sailing all around, even sailing to the Carribean and even (if I remember correctly) the holy land? I’ll always remember the Cheeseburger of Champions. You guys took such good care of him from day one. You’ve been through a lot together, always with courage and good humor. That day when you called and gave Whitney the news, I was touched by how you were getting along, comforting each other.

    Love from Boo Boy

  9. To the Atwater family I extend my deepest sympathy. I am so grateful to call Spencer my best friend for over 50 years. We shared so many great memories and experiences. His humor, his love of the finer things in life, and his kindness and loyalty were traits that are rarely found. I am greatly saddened by his loss but comforted by the knowledge that his suffering is over and he is in a better place.

  10. Atwater family,
    I’m saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Atwater. I know how much he’ll be missed by all who knew and loved him. Keeping you in my thoughts in the coming days and weeks. With Sympathy, Lauren (Edwards) Hedden

  11. I will always remember Dr. Atwater with a big smile on his face. He was kind and personable and always made me feel welcome on the Allergy Partners Meetings. “Call me Spencer”, he would always tell me. I sure have missed him since his retirement. I was very sorry to hear the news of his passing. I will keep him and the Atwater family in my prayers. May God give you peace in this difficult time, Ana

    • I just learned of Dr. Atwater’s passing. I was a patient of his for a few years several years ago and he was just the kindest man and we could always share a laugh. You don’t find physicians with his wonderful bedside manner much anymore. I truly felt like he cared about helping me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  12. Dr Atwater was one of the kindest bosses I’ve ever worked with in my career as a nurse. When I retired from Allergy Partners he told me he was going to miss my laugh. May his family find peace and comfort.

  13. Dr Atwater was one of the most intelligent, kind and caring boss I’ve worked with in my career as a nurse. He will be missed. May his family find peace and comfort

  14. I was the health Ed coordinator for the Buncombe Co and Asheville city school s for 30 years / part of my responsibility was to set up “bee sting “ education for teachers at every school / the training had to be done by a MD even though a nurse probably could have done it but NC required a MD to do it and sign the individual forms of each attendee /
    Dr Atwater volunteered to do it the first time I called his office and for many years after that probably 10 plus years
    His only request was make it on an afternoon he was off and was raining so he couldn’t play golf !! Unfortunately every year it was a beautiful day but he never once complained / he invited me to play golf with him at the BFCC many times but I didn’t want to embarrass him or myself ha / he also invited me to the Charleston Yacht Club to go sailing with him several times / he was a soft spoken kind smart man that helped me and the schools provide this needed training to train teachers how to recognize a student with breathing difficulties after a bee sting / a life saving class in many ways /
    He brought epipens to class to demonstrate their use and oranges and syringes for anyone who wanted to practice giving a shot into the orange /
    One day in the Charlotte airport he hollered at me across a stairway to ask me about playing golf with him / I can’t say enough good things about him
    .On his last day in his office I took him a thank you card and a bottle of good champagne a small thanks for his help and kindness for many many years /
    Asheville lost a great man and doctor /
    I’m blessed. to have known him / peace

  15. we are patients of dr sara atwater and her group in winston salem. we were saddened to hear of her dad’s passing, an outstanding man and physician. His life story brought back so many memories, sailing at camp Sea Gull, Westminster school and Biltmore Forest c.c. among others. i am sure he will be greatly missed. Allston and Jean Olive Stubbs

  16. I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Atwater’s passing. Both he and Mrs. A. were such lovely people. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family in your time of sorrow. Best Regards, from a neighbor on Cedarcliff (and a fellow W & L alum)….

  17. Dr. Atwater was a credit to his profession. He was kind and compassionate. He was a friend of my father’s and I was lucky enough to know him as a patient as well as socially. He had a wonderful sense of humor. My deepest condolences to his family.

  18. Dr Atwater was one of the most intelligent, kind and caring bosses I’ve worked with in my career as a nurse. His patients loved him and often refused to see anyone but him. He will be missed. May his family find peace and comfort during this time

  19. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dr. Atwater as a patient. My mom and I both had him as our allergist. He was so wonderful. You could tell he loved his patients and cared about their health. We teased him when he retired, that when it came shot day, we were going to go to his house and line up just for him. After he retired I stopped going but my mom continued. When I saw he had passed away, the first thing I wanted to do was call my mom. She went to Heaven on Dec. 2, 2023. Now they both are in Heaven as well as my Dad, he passed Sept. 17, 2023. My prayers are with you all.
    Cindy Sherman
    Donna Bell – mom

  20. Spencer was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He and my father were good friends as well as professional colleagues. When I returned to Asheville to begin my own practice, he became my patient, a privilege I never took for granted. His laughter and kind smile were infectious. My wife, Toni, and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Atwater family.

  21. Atwater Family – I just learned of Dr Atwater’s passing. I worked “with” him for several years until his retirement!! What a treasure he was! Every time he was at the Corporate office he always had a smile and would always stop to talk. Please know I send my thoughts and prayers to you all. May he rest in peace!

  22. My deepest sympathies to the Atwater family. Dr. Atwater was a pillar of the Asheville community and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Sara and the family.


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