Mr. Alvin Eugene Whitmore Sr.

Alvin Eugene Whitmore, Sr. was born on July 4, 1916, in Wynne, Arkansas to the late Charles Clinton Whitmore and Alberta Hardin Whitmore. He was the last surviving sibling of his four brothers and three sisters born to this union who were Myrtle, Georgia, Addie B., Theodore, Charlie, Rueben, and Theodric. Alvin was a devoted son and brother who adored his family. He peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 11 :00a.m. At the age of 16 Alvin and the rest of the Whitmore family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he graduated from Dunbar High School. He married the late Ottimis Jones in 1936, and to this union two children were born: Alvin Jr. and Carolyn Faye. In 1937, Alvin accepted Christ as his personal Savior and faithfully attended Bethel AME Church along with his sister, Georgia. Alvin remarried in 1954 to the late Barbara Harris, and to this union three children were born: Stephanie Lynn, Tracey Jo and Martin Edmund. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Milwaukee. During his recent stay in Arkansas he united with Mt. Zion Baptist church where his daughter Carolyn was a member. While Iiving in Arkansas, Alvin was employed as a nursing assistant at the Arkansas State Hospital of Little Rock until 1942. Following in the footsteps of his brothers and sisters, Alvin moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1942 for better employment opportunities. Shortly after arriving in Milwaukee, he secured employment with International Harvester. Not long afterwards he employed by Harnischfeger Corporation, becoming the first black career machinist where he remained until his retirement after 26 years of service. After AIvin's retirement in 1979, he embarked upon another career as a beauty and barber supply salesman. Alvin knew no strangers, and with his bright smile, warm and inviting personality he became well-liked and known throughout Milwaukee and wherever he went. He and Barbara entertained friends and family at their home as well as attending civic, community, and cultural events. He was a longtime member of the Criterions Club, active with his neighborhood organization RAAG, and was a regular attendee of the Oldtimers Ball and other functions. Alvin and Barbara travelled extensively within the United States and enjoyed a wonderful cruise to Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands. Alvin was an avid sports fan and jazz enthusiast. Throughout his younger years he enjoyed attending jazz concerts and sporting events. As the years passed he watched the games on television and listened to jazz with family and friends at home. He also loved to garden during the summer months and often shared his bounty of vegetables with neighbors and family. He believed in helping others as much as he could. He loved to cook and shared his many recipes with his family and friends. His pride and joy was keeping his lawn well-groomed, planting and caring for his flowers and shrubbery. Alvin especially enjoyed attending family and high school reunions where he would greet family and old friends and reminisce about the good old days. He became a father figure for all of his many nieces and nephews as well as his children's friends. He had an excellent memory recalling events throughout his life and the many friends he made during the years. Alvin loved to engage others in conversation and could spend hours talking about varied subjects. One of his favorite things to do was eating out, and wherever he went he charmed all of the waitresses and knew them by name. He was a loyal and devoted father who loved being surrounded by his family. He truly loved the Lord, his family, friends and neighbors. He leaves to cherish his memory his five children: Alvin Eugene Whitmore, Jr. (Lu) of Springfield, Massachusetts; Carolyn Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas; Stephanie and Tracey Whitmore of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Martin Whitmore (Laura) of Madison, Wisconsin; brothers-in-law Oscar Harris of St. Louis, Missouri, Robert Harris (Edna) of Vallejo California; nine grandchildren: Alvin Eugene Whitmore III (Sharon), Carolyn Whitmore, Natalie Hunt (David), JoAnn Whitmore, Rhonda Hall (Nigel), Tamara Perry (Robert), Cassandra, Elyse and Graham Whitmore; eleven great-grandchildren: Alessia Jimenez, Edwin Francis II; Taylor and Trenton Dunn, Evan and Prentice Hall; Riane and Ian Hunt; Peyton, Parker and Preston Perry; one great great-grandchild, Avery Jimenez, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, their families and many friends.

Mr. Alvin Eugene Whitmore Sr.

November 28, 1916 - November 28, 2012