Alvin Blair Carter

Alvin Blair "Deedaddy" Carter was born in Bluefield, VA, on December 24, 1940. He died August 24, 2014, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center from complications after surgery related to long-term Alzheimers.

He was a loyal John I. Burton High School, Norton, VA, alumnus. He played on the 1958 Championship Football team and has attended all the Burton reunions. Alvin attended Clinch Valley College and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Pet Dairy was his employer for forty years until his retirement in 2006.

Alvin was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Trinity Sunday School Class and a head usher. Most importantly, he taught in the Children's Division for 44 years.

He loved to attend Dobyns Bennett football games, watch the New York Yankees, and football games on television. He enjoyed participating in any event that involved his granddaughter and #1 playmate, Callee Whitaker.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Porter and Mary Ellen Brewster Carter; sister, Sarah Kathryn Sloan; and his granddaughter, Eden Blair Whitaker.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Darres Pelfrey Carter; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Kevin Whitaker; granddaughter, Callee Ann Whitaker; foster grandchildren, Andre and Sally Chikomb; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Lynda Carter; godchildren, Chris and Hannah Baker; nieces, Mary Florence Slemp and Theresa Carter; nephews, Mike Slemp and wife, Jenny and Luke Carter; great-nieces and great-nephews, Nick Carter, Kristen and Jon Michael Slemp, Katie George and husband , Lawson; great-great niece, Emma Jane George; sister-in-law, Marilyn Cate and husband, Tom; several cousins; countless children, youth, and adults whom he taught in Sunday School.

Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at Maple Hill Cemetery, Bluefield, VA, with Rev. Aaron Atchley officiating.

Pallbearers will be Ron Kinley, Chris Baker, Mike Slemp, Wayne Porter, Brian McKinney, Luke Carter, and Jim Cooper. Honorary pallbearers will be Friday Night Supper Club, Children's Division of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 8:30 Usher Team, and Trinity Sunday School Class.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2014, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with The Rev. Mickey Rainwater, Dr. Randy Frye, and Rev. Phil Whittemore officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Ministry or Child Care Center, First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.