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Alvan Bolling Obituary
Al was a Crane Operator at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp and NORSHIPCO where he was paralyzed in a work related injury in July 1988.
He became an advocate for the disabled. For example, he ensured there was an accessible place to fish along the Boo Williams walking trail, and he made sure new establishments were wheelchair accessible according to ADA guidelines, often coordinating with city hall officials to enforce compliance.
Al was the kind of guy that didn't let his disability slow him down. He was an avid woodworker - often driving his wife crazy when he came in the house covered in sawdust and tracking it throughout the house on his wheels. He built everything from furniture to the fireplace in the house, rebuilding the deck on his home twice and even the deck of a friend's home.
He and Cynthia Marie Johnson Bolling started dating in November 1987, but when he was injured in 1988, they had to reevaluate their relationship. They decided to take it slowly, and married on March 1, 1991. At the time of his passing, they had been married for 30 years. They have one son, Alvan Maurice Bolling II. In addition to his wife and son, Al is survived by his brother, Joseph Martin (Linda); sister, Eva Stokes Wood (Roy); and nephews, RJ Martin and Joey Martin. Alvan was preceded in death by his parents,Joe and Mary Bolling; brother, Emanuel Martin; and sister, Catherine Maddox-Rogers.
"You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home." - Author Unknown
The Memorial Service for Alvan Bolling will be at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA, 23666 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 11:00.
Condolences may be left at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alvan Bolling
Sponsored by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home - Newport News.
4 Entries
D
January 31, 2023
Friends since 1973, high school. Al was my best friend. He had a wonderful personality, sense of humor and the biggest heart. My condolences to his family
Jacquelin Wright
February 11, 2022
Alvin will be missed. He was a very nice person and I am so glad I had a chance to get to know him. Seeing him at the Pembroke High School Class Reunion was a blessing.
King and Dyana Jones
February 5, 2022
King and I were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and neighbor, "Al." We will miss his beautiful smile , friendliness, and willingness to lend a helping hand. When my husband was ill, Al cut our grass without being asked to do it. Al was always working on something around his house or in the yard. He beamed when he talked about " Little Al". He was definitely a proud Dad. Some of my fondest memories of Al are seeing him at the " 7-Eleven" for he was an avid lottery player or seeing him waiting for Cynthia to finish shopping at Costco. Although his time on this earth was short, he impacted many lives for the better. When I think of Al , I will always see that beautiful smile , infectious wit, and " can do anything attitude" that encompassed the persona of the Alvan Bolling that we loved.
Earl and Cheryl Jones
February 4, 2022
We are so sorry to hear that Al passed. Please know that we will miss seeing him in the yard working on projects or just simply relaxing as he enjoyed the beautiful of God´s day. We are here if you need assistance with anything Rest in Peace Al
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W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home - Newport News210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601
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