Billie Gail (Rice) Atwell

            Billie Gail Rice Atwell, age 74, of Black Mountain, NC, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. Mrs. Atwell was born on June 27, 1945 in Buncombe County, to the late John Rice and Dixie Peek Rice. She attended Swannanoa United Methodist Church and worked as a nursing assistant at the North Carolina State Veterans Home until her recent retirement. She was a wonderful Christian lady and mother, who enjoyed growing a garden full of beautiful flowers and finding great bargains at Goodwill. Mrs. Atwell adored her pets and especially loved her little Chiweinnie puppy named Ruby. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Atwell; two brothers, Paul and Walter Rice; and a sister, Arbedell Clowers.

            Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Steven Davis (Samantha) of Asheville, NC; her three daughters, Robin Hamilton of Greenville, SC, Anita Surrett of Swannanoa, NC and Gwen Atwell of Old Fort, NC; a brother, John Rice of Fairview, NC; a nephew, Randy Clowers, of Black Mountain, NC; and four grandchildren, Ashley Hamilton of Atlanta, GA, Cameron Davis of Colorado, and Logan and Bryson Davis, both of Asheville, NC.

            A memorial service will be held at a later date at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory in Asheville. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Atwell Family.

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