Alvin Monroe Towns, Jr., 67, died 11 June 2014. He was born 30 Dec 1946 in Jacksonville, FL to Norma L. Smith and Alvin Monroe Towns, Sr. He lived all of his life in Jacksonville except for the times he was in college.
Al graduated from DuPont High School, Jacksonville in 1964 and attended Mercer University before transferring to St. Johns River Jr. College in Palatka. While attending St. Johns, he met his future wife, Nancy Parish. He graduated from St. Johns and transferred to Florida State University. He and Nancy married while they were seniors at FSU on 8 June 1969. They received their B.S. degrees together in 1970 and after graduating he taught children with Physical Handicaps in Duval Co. He and Nancy returned to FSU and received their M.S. degrees together in 1973. He supervised Special Education teachers in South Georgia while completing the coursework for his Doctorate at FSU. They made Jacksonville their permanent home in 1975 and he was appointed a State Farm Insurance Agent in August 1976. He was a State Farm Agent from that time until 28 Feb 2010. On 1 Mar 2010 he opened an Independent Agency. He remained at the San Marco Blvd. location that his father occupied as an insurance agent since 1958.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, Kristen T. Osorio, and her husband, Stephen Osorio, son, Steven J. Towns, and his wife, Libby Towns, granddaughters, Adela A. Osorio and Charlotte A. Towns, and grandson, Kellan W. Osorio. He is also survived by sisters, Jane T. Robinson and Kathy T. Risher, and her husband, Rob Risher, brother, Victor J. Towns, sister-in-law, Frances P. Nichols, and her husband, Jim Nichols, and sister-in-law, Margie P. Smith. Other family members include nieces and nephews, Daniel E. Robinson, Jennifer Robinson, Maria Risher, Justin Risher, Denise B. Montague, Charles Montague, Allison B. Hall, Chris Hall, Tara Cantrell, and Diane Coffin. He is also survived by his aunt, Anne L. Towns, cousin, Richard Martin and his wife, Linda Martin, great aunt, Naomi W. Watson, and several great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his work with children with Special Needs, Al was a Boy Scout Master for over 10 years. He also served many years as District Commissioner for the Riverbend District and was on the Safety Committee for the North Florida Council. While he was a Scout Master, 11 boys attained the rank of Eagle. He also became a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church and served over 12 years as a Sanctuary Choir Member, was in the Handbell Choir, and served several times a Deacon.
He was a member of Barnett Lodge F&AM #187 and was a Past Master and Treasurer of the Lodge. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the Morocco Shrine. As a member of the Shrine he was in the Morocco Patrol and served as the Captain in 2009. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters. He was awarded Lifetime membership in the Southside Businessmen’s Club and was a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the University Club. He was a long-time member of the National Seminole Boosters and the Jacksonville Seminole Boosters. His other interests were Jaguars’ football and traveling.
A service honoring the life of Al Towns will be held Friday, 13 June 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery. He requested donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or to Hendricks
Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18