Captain Theodore Oertel Atwood

August 3, 1936 - May 23, 2021

SAN DIEGO — Captain Atwood passed away on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 after a long illness following a fall in his driveway. He was a native of Augusta, GA. Captain Atwood received his B.A. from the University of Georgia in 1960 and his Master of Divinity from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA in 1963. Following ordination in the Ministry of the Episcopal Church, he served as Curate, Vicar, and Rector of Episcopal Congregations in Georgia for five and one-half years.

Captain Atwood retired active naval service on July 1, 1989. He served as Assistant to the Rector, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in San Diego, CA until September 1993, and a non-stipendiary Staff Assistant to the Honorable Bill Lowery, United States House of Representatives, 41st Congressional District of California, 1989-1992. From September 1993-April 1994, he served as Assistant to the Rector, St. Alban’s, El Cajon, CA.

Captain Atwood became the Rector of Christ Church, Augusta, GA on May 1, 1994 and continued in that position until his retirement on April 1, 2003. Following his retirement, he served as the Interim Rector of St. Michael’s, Waynesboro, GA from December 14 until April 15, 2005. He assured duties as the Vicar of Holy Cross Church, Carlsbad on January 1, 2007 until he retired on June 30, 2010. He kept busy volunteering at various churches in the San Diego area until his health declined.

Captain Atwood was divorced and is survived by his sister, Anne Petrey, daughters Marzi Gerard and Cathi Voels along with six grandchildren. The family would like to extend gratitude to Grant Ford and Lupe Ortega for their love and dedication they bestowed upon our father during his final years.

We often called my Dad the unofficial Mayor of San Carlos-everywhere he went someone knew him, he had the best manners and that Southern charm lasted throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered for his love of 3” x 5” cards, yellow legal pads and binder clips. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs and his favorite color was red, including his red prius where he could be spotted from a mile away! He had lots of friends and touched many lives throughout his ministry. His neighbors on El Banquero were his extended family and they all looked after him. Funeral services will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in June. Donations in Ted’s memory can be made at woundedwarriorproject. org.

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