George Haviland Alvord

April 17, 1946 – December 21, 2025

George Alvord, beloved husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend, was born on April 17, 1946, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to George and Eileen Alvord. At 14, he suffered the loss of his father. This early loss impacted him greatly and shaped who George became. Out of a desire to help support his family, he was propelled into a lifelong career in food service, developing his strong work ethic and genuine love for people.

George moved to Missouri for college, where he attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg and met Patty, the love of his life. George often shared that he knew he would marry her the moment he laid eyes on her, and true to his nature, they were married just six weeks later. They would go on to share 55½ wonderful years together.

After college, George built a remarkable career as a trusted “troubleshooter” in the food service industry. His work took him and his family across the country, resulting in 18 moves and life in 11 different cities—each transition embraced with optimism, adaptability, and a sense of adventure.

In 1982, George settled in Memphis when he joined Dobbs House. His leadership, integrity, and ability to connect with people propelled him forward, and in 1999 he was named CEO. When Dobbs House later became part of Gate Gourmet, George was appointed President of the Americas, overseeing operations in 39 countries and helping ensure meals were served to airline passengers around the world.

In 1984, he was invited to serve on the Orpheum Theatre Board and continued to serve for more than 40 years. Theater had been part of George’s life from an early age, as his father directed off-Broadway productions and George appeared in many shows as a child. He worked tirelessly during the Orpheum’s expansion so productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon could be brought to Memphis audiences. He was recently honored as the Orpheum’s longest-serving board member, with the boardroom at the Halloran Centre named in his honor.

In 2004, George led a group of investors in the acquisition of Lenny’s Sub Shop and helped grow the brand exponentially. During his ownership, he was known for his generosity—frequently handing out Lenny’s gift cards to people he met all over Memphis, simply because he loved feeding people and bringing joy to others.

Beyond his professional and civic leadership, George was deeply committed to giving back and served on various boards. He intentionally directed resources and support to numerous charitable organizations that also impacted the Memphis community, including Young Life, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Boy Scouts, and St. Jude. His faith was also central to his life, and he was actively involved at Grace Evangelical Church in Germantown, Tennessee, where he found fellowship, purpose, and joy in working with the Marriage Matters Ministry.

At his core, George loved people. A self-described jokester, he made it his personal mission to make at least one person laugh every day—and he succeeded. His warmth, humor, generosity, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

George considered himself deeply blessed to have spent his life serving others through his talents, food service, and his faith. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with kindness, leadership, laughter, and love. His greatest pride was his family, whom he loved dearly.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Patty Alvord; his children, Beth Lamb, Brent Alvord, Brice Alvord, and Betsy Bryant.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Garrett (Grace) Lamb, parents of his first great-grandson, Liam Lamb; Gracie Lamb, Gabby Lamb, and Greta Lamb (children of Beth and Gordy Lamb); George Alvord, Ben Alvord, and Amberlyn Alvord (children of Brent and Yendry Alvord); Finn Alvord, Gus Alvord, and Beck Alvord (children of Brice and Katie Alvord); and Drew Bryant, Caleb Bryant, Emmy Bryant, and Flint Bryant (children of Betsy and Andrew Bryant).

George is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Hussey and Jane (Don) Sommer; the “in-law/outlaw” family he was proud to be part of—Terri Klaus, Dan and Wanda Klaus, and Bob and Melissa Klaus—as well as many nieces and nephews.

George suffered from Alzheimer’s, and his family rejoices that he is now fully healed and in the everlasting arms of Jesus.

The Celebration of Life Service has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and will be rescheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen the following charities:

The Orpheum’s Mending Hearts Camp for children who have lost a parent. Please use this link https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sotgp/ and select “Mending Hearts Camp” from the “Please direct my support” dropdown.

Memphis Young Life which focuses on the Christian discipling of teenagers. Please use this link and click the donate button: https://memphis.younglife.org/