Alton M. "Al" Stinson Jr.

1937 - 2022

Alton "Al" Stinson Jr of Orlando, FL passed away peacefully on August 1, 2022. The eldest child of Alton Marvin Stinson, Sr. and Zylpha Carter Stinson, Al was born on August 11, 1937. He grew up in Princeton, West Virginia, where his father co-owned and operated a grocery store, even allowing his teenage son to deliver groceries without a driver license. Later Al's father owned a furniture store in East Princeton that would steer young Al toward that industry. He was fond of recanting how his mother taught school, teaching Latin to the coal miners. In 1954 the Stinson family moved from the beloved state of West Virginia to Orlando, Florida, leaving Al behind for a year to live with his grandparents, working in his grandfather's men's clothing store until he graduated from high school.

Once in Orlando, Al dabbled in various jobs and school until he enlisted in the Army. Although never deployed, Al was trained as an Aerial Reconnaissance Photographer stationed in the state of Washington. He was forever proud of having served his country, often reflecting on his service - a true American patriot. He returned to Orlando and resumed his college education. Along the way, a bright young woman named Patricia Kinsley became his tutor, and ultimately became his wife. Al and "Patty," as she was affectionately called by him, were married 59 years on July 18th.

Following the way of his father, Al worked in the Orlando furniture business known as Sturky's, which took him at one point to Athens, GA, where his first child "Mark" was born. The family of three moved back to Orlando to work for Kane Furniture. But Al's father-in-law/general contractor Jerry Kinsley felt he was being jipped by the local flooring companies, and was growing tired of losing money; so he hatched an idea, and offered a venture for Al and Patty to create their own flooring company. Thus, Stinson Carpets was born. The business officially opened in 1968 on East Colonial Drive. Expansion led him to open several more retail stores and build a main location in Apopka. Stinson Carpets enjoyed lasting success, and gained the loyalty and respect of multi-generations of clients. In 1996, Stinson Carpets joined the Carpet One co-op, and thus became Stinson Carpet One. Though in 2002 the business officially became his son's, Al enjoyed life-long relationships with his friends in the flooring industry. He was grateful for what the industry had provided his family - even allowing Patty and him to travel around the world and the U.S. To this day, the Stinson name has a positive reputation in Orlando, in large part to Al's credit.

Business aside, Al's four children were his joy. He also cherished time with his grandchildren, who, along with anyone who knew him, will always remember his lofty, infectious laugh and quick wit. Among his other passions, Al became a member of St. James Cathedral in 2003, where he proudly served as usher. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed planes and was a recreational pilot. In retirement, he spent hours acquiring and building model trains in his garage, and rode nearly every high speed train ever made. His family will miss his love for photography, and his proclivity to fill up their inboxes with spam email.

Al is survived by his wife, Patricia Stinson; children Mark Stinson (Audrey), Rebecca MacQueen (Alan), Stephanie Howard (Chris), and Angela Murphy; grandchildren Brad Stinson (Haley Rae), Scott Stinson (EllieClaire), Victoria MacQueen, Tiffany MacQueen, Andrew Howard, Logan Howard, Kaitlin Murphy and Colin Murphy (and one great-grandchild due in October); siblings Suzanne "Suzy" Reid (Roy), Jane Usher (Joe, deceased), Sarah Rudolph (Craig) and John Stinson (Suzie). Memorial service is August 22nd at 1pm at St. James Catholic Cathedral, Orlando, FL with a gathering for all in the social hall afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation in memory of Al Stinson at https://dogood.t2t.org/alstinson.