Anthony Atwell

Anthony Atwell, age 88, passed peacefully on December 17, 2024, in Dallas, Texas at his home. Born in Dallas at the old Parkland Hospital on May 10, 1936, Anthony survived the love of his life, Susan Lay Atwell, who passed in 2019. Life was never the same for Anthony without Susan, but he persisted and continued to lead his extended family by example and chosen words. Anthony lived a full life.

Anthony is survived by his son Anthony Atwell, Jr. and his wife Rene Atwell, son Christopher D. Atwell and his wife Gretchen Atwell, daughter Mimi Rodgers and her husband Jason Rodgers, and stepson David Campbell and his wife Kristie Campbell. Anthony’s grandchildren, Alexander Atwell, Anthony Hill Atwell, Kathryn Grace Atwell, Anna Rodgers, Jack Rodgers, Brenden Hexberg, James Campbell, Lee Gute, Tristan Campbell, and Ella Campbell will miss Papa greatly. Anthony treasured his relationship with his older brother William Webster Atwell of San Antonio and his extended family. Anthony’s son Webster Atwell, II and his daughter Peggy Sue Herrington, both pre-deceased him.

Anthony and Susan’s greatest achievement was blending two developed families later in life after prior marriages. Anthony adopted Susan’s daughters Mimi and Peggy when they were mostly grown. Together, Anthony and Susan nurtured a large extended family and emphasized charitable and civic commitment in their and coming generations.

Anthony was born to practice law in Dallas and pretty much had no choice in the matter with his dad being a prominent local lawyer and his grandfather being a local federal judge. (Not surprisingly, Anthony was fastidious about following rules and norms if you asked his children.) Anthony attended the Terrill School for Boys (now known as Saint Marks), Deerfield Academy, Williams College, and Harvard Law School. Anthony clerked for a Dallas federal judge and practiced law successfully with a number of firms over many years. Anthony took his job seriously and maintained long time personal and professional relationships with his clients.

Anthony knew how to argue a point. Anthony was an accomplished litigator when he needed to be (especially with his wayward sons) and a loving family member always. Otherwise, Anthony’s charitable spirit may be his best legacy. Anthony supported all forms of education for persons from every walk of life in Dallas and beyond. Anthony steadfastly supported Williams, Harvard, and S.M.U. Law School (among many educational institutions) because he believed in giving back. Anthony was private and humble about these endeavors.

Anthony and his family owe a great debt to Barbara DeChant, his assistant for many years, who helped make his accomplishments possible and stayed with him to the end. Anthony would also want his mates and the staff at Preston Trail Golf Club to be recognized for the special people they are. Finally, Anthony’s caregivers, Rita, Nita, and Angie, are angels the family wants to thank.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on January 24, 2025, in the Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Anthony would want any memorial to be made to a charity of your choice.