Walter G Alvis

Walter Groover Alvis, 97, passed away on January 28, 2016. He was born on September 2, 1918 in Colquitt County, Ga. He was the 8th child of ten born to James and Lillie Alvis. He was the last surviving sibling of his family. He was raised on a farm and learned to work the farm as a young boy. When his father died, Walter dropped out of school to take care of his mother and run the farm. After his mother died in 1941, Walter joined the US Army. While in the Army he was trained as a blacksmith, welder, MP, and became an electrician. He served in the Army 6 ½ years and his last duty station was Ft. Belvoir, Virginia ,where he met the love of his life, Lucy M. Cornette. They were married for over 50 years and raised three children, Alfred, Warren, and Barbara.

After Walter's discharge from the Army he received additional training and became a master electrician. He went to work for Lorton Reformatory, where he worked his way up to chief electrician. It was his job to train inmates to become electricians after their release from prison. Walter said that was his most satisfying job, helping people get a fresh start in life.

Walter's family attended Mt Olive Baptist Church in Moultrie, Georgia. At a young age, Walter accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. All of his life he tried to follow Christ's examples of serving others. Walter and Lucy were members of Glebe Baptist church where they taught young children and young adults for many years. Later they became members of Columbia Baptist Church, where Walter served as a deacon.

Walter was raised as a Master Mason in Henry Knox Field Lodge #349 Alexandria, Virginia on January 30, 1962. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1962, received the investiture of Knights Commander of the Court of Honor in 1969 and was coronated an Inspector General Honorary 33rd degree in 1975. In 1981-82, he served as the Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern Star in the state of Virginia. He was a lifetime member of Kena Temple Shriners, Eastern Star, Amaranth, Scottish Rite, Royal Arch, and Knights Templar.

Walter was a member of the Civitans and Elks club. He also volunteered at North Springfield Elementary School. Walter was known and loved in the community as “Waving Walter”. He would sit on his corner in the afternoons and wave to children and adults as they returned home from school and work. People would look forward to Walter's friendly smile and waves. Many people would stop and talk with him and tell him how much he meant to them.

Walter's favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and working in his woodshop. He enjoyed making things for his friends and family. We had a saying “if Walter can't fix it nobody can”.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy. Survivors include his sons, Alfred Bingham (Susan), Warren Alvis (Judy), and his daughter, Barbara Stalcup (Bruce); 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's memory to Spend Yourself at Columbia Baptist Church (World Hunger), Estaral OES, or Shriner Hospital.