MOLLUSK—Atwell H. “Chip” Burruss Jr. passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021, surrounded by family members in the home he loved.
A native of Caroline County, Chip was born to Atwell and Jeanne Burruss on August 7, 1959. He made his home with his husband, Clay Wright, at Woodbine in the Mollusk area, for the 39 years of their partnership.
In addition to Clay, Chip is survived by his sisters, Jane Ingebretsen (Carl), Gail Burruss, and Carol Byrd; niece, Jeannie Byrd and nephew Nick Byrd; son- and daughter-in-law Rob and Christy Wright; and sister- and brother-in-law Nancy and Noel Talcott.
Chip graduated from Benedictine High School and the University of Virginia, where he studied for a semester at the Goethe Institute in Germany. He worked for the Tides Inn and Arton Products. Chip was highly regarded for his gift of hospitality. He found joy in planning and hosting large, festive gatherings, where he found delight in preparing meals and in welcoming everyone.
Those considering a memorial gift are encouraged to offer one to Hospice of Virginia, which provided excellent care to Chip. A memorial event will be held at Woodbine later this year.
