He was born on January 12, 1926 to the late Ernest T. Hollingshed, Sr. and Hattie Howell Hollingshed, in the community where he spent his entire life.
While Alvin enjoyed work in vegetable and cattle farming, he was also employed as a technician with the US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, for thirty years, retiring from the Cartersville office in 1985. He took pride in accomplishing much in landscaping and designing lakes and watersheds, thus controlling erosion. Prior to that, Alvin was very proud and honored to have served his country, having spent his eighteenth birthday in combat in Germany during World War II. He entered the US Army in 1944, serving in the 42nd Infantry Division, known as The Rainbow Division. Alvin and his fellow soldiers liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Alvin was awarded the EAME with two Bronze Service Stars, the Purple Heart, and Good Conduct and Victory medals. He was also a member of Stilesboro Lodge, F&AM. After several years of courtship, he married the love of his life, Muriel Black Hollingshed, on February 13, 1960, totaling approximately sixty-five years of love. Alvin and Muriel were raised to enjoy hard work, and after his retirement, they grew and sold vegetables in the park at the Farmers' Market in Cartersville, for many years. They set their prices at a level so that all people could afford to have healthy, fresh food. He loved and was devoted to his son, Glen, of whom he was very proud. Alvin grew up in Harmony Grove Methodist Church, and attended Burnt Hickory United Methodist as an adult. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and was known for his hard work, his kindness, and his great sense of humor. Alvin's work ethic and consideration of others demonstrated Christian love to all he knew.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mrs. Gertrude Grogan (Bob), Mrs. Frankie Benson (Virgil), Mr. Ernest Hollingshed, Sr. (Zellyah), Mr. Guy Hollingshed (Bobbie, Hazel), Mrs. Eva Moore (Grover), and Mrs. Floy Camp (Tom).
He is survived by his loving wife, Muriel Black Hollingshed, his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Glen and Lee Hollingshed; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and special niece, Mrs. Zuella Grogan Powell (Cubby) who always kept his hair in a stylish cut.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor and remember Alvin will be conducted on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at two o'clock in the afternoon, in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Tibbitts, Rev. Todd Tibbitts, Rev. Mark Rackley, and Rev. Mrs. Lee Hollingshed officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home for visitation on Monday, April 22, 2019, from four o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening.
Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to share fond memories of Alvin, as well as condolences and expressions of sympathy of his family.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Alvin Mathis Hollingshed.
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