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BORN
1927
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Alvin McCall Obituary
Greenville
Alvin Augustus McCall, Jr. (Grandgeorge) of Greenville, SC entered into eternal rest on July 31, 2016.
Born May 13, 1927 in Pelzer, SC, son of the late Alvin Augustus, Sr. and May Belle McCall. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Wanda; and daughter, Karen.
He is survived by 2 sons, Mark(Sylvia), Jeff(Holly); daughter, Paula Marsh (Chris) along with eight grandchildren: Christopher, Catherine, Heather, Karen, Olivia, Noah, Kaitlyn, James; and one brother, Andrew.
He served in the Navy from May 1945 to December 1946. Entered Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, Nashville, TN in fall of 1947. Later attended Steed College in Johnson City, TN majoring in accounting. He returned to Pelzer in 1951 to start working for Elliott, Davis & Co. On February 23, 1952, he married Wanda Ervin, the love of his life. In 1956 he started dabbling in the homebuilding and development business until 1958 when he ventured out full-time. Along with development, he also operated a car dealership in Sumter in 1962. In 1970 he had the vision to build and expand on a family steakhouse business. He built nine Western Family Steak Houses before selling in 1976. In July 1978, he opened his first Ryan's Steak House building the concept to 270 company stores and 25 franchised. Ryan's went public in 1982 with an initial public offering on July 13. He retired in 1992 to manage his own private investment business.
Alvin was an active member of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church. His belief in helping those less fortunate was evident in the many charities he supported. In addition to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Alvin and Wanda were involved with Meals on Wheels, Epworth Children's Home, Miracle Hill Ministries, Salvation Army, McCall Campus of the Upstate Chapter of the American Red Cross, McCall Hospice House, Christian Learning Center of Greenville, Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Research, Triune Mercy Center and many other charities that held a special place in his heart. He was also a recipient of The Order of the Palmetto.
We want to thank his wonderful caregivers, Eliana, Shannon, Lynda, Judy, Janet, and Sandra.
The children would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to Suzy Glymph for her dedication, love and support for our Dad.
Visitation will be Monday, August 8, 2016, from 1:00 - 2:15 at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 701 Cleveland St, Greenville, SC. followed by the celebration of his life at 2:30. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Learning Center (clcofgreenville.org), P.O. Box 26824, Greenville, SC 29616 or Triune Mercy Center, 222 Rutherford St, Greenville, SC 29609.
The Mackey Mortuary.
Online guest registry available at www.mackeymortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin McCall
Sponsored by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.
Sally Clark
August 14, 2016
On behalf of the Thomas J. Warwick family, please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our father, Tommy, knew your father in the "early steak house days" of Western Family and Ryans and thought the world of Alvin and Wanda. We understand your loss but know that you rejoice in knowing that your Dad is in Heaven. May the Good Lord continue to Bless and Keep you close. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Miller
August 10, 2016
I have known Alvin my entire life. He and Wanda were friends with my parents since the early '50s. We watched him go through his many successful businesses. In the early 60s his construction company built my parents' house.
Alvin and my dad (Charles Miller) had an unconventional friendship. In 1980, the two of them flew out west to get a look at Mount St. Helens, up close and personal.
I haven't seen a lot of Alvin since the '70s, when I relocated out of state. I last saw him at my father's funeral in 2011, not long after he lost Wanda.
Heartfelt condolences to all those mourning his loss.
Wade Miles
August 8, 2016
Mark, Jeff and Paula, I have just learned of your father's passing. Though I have not seen your father in over 40 years, his sense of fairness and support will always be elements of inspiration for me. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Tony McDade
August 8, 2016
All of us at United Ministries are grateful for the wonderful generosity that Mr. McCall has faithfully shared with us over the years. His care for those in need in Greenville is truly inspiring.
Rena Fennell Nisbet
August 8, 2016
Mark, Jeff, and Paula - I am so sorry for your loss. I remember with joy our years at Triune together. I would run into your parents when we both had tickets to the Peace Center on Friday nights. Your dad always greeted me with a big hug and wanted to know how the family was. He indeed left a great legacy to the community and I know to you all as well. May all your happy memories bring you comfort and peace.
Love and blessings,
Kathleen, Steve, and Jay Gresham
August 7, 2016
To Jeff, Holly, Heather, and all the McCall family - we send our sincere condolences on such a deep loss of an outstanding and remarkable man. My parents also thought highly of Wanda and of Alvin, whose lives touched so many and will continue to do so with their community dedication. He left our world better with his life. Well done thy good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.
The Jennings and Gresham families
Sallie Rogers
August 6, 2016
Alvin was my great uncle (I'm his brother Norman's granddaughter.) It always amazed me how Alvin and his siblings came from such very humble beginnings, but managed to make something of themselves - each in his/her own way. Uncle Alvin's intellect and drive were astounding!
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. I pray his family and friends receive that comfort. RIP Uncle Alvin.
Sallie Rogers (Pat McCall Rogers' daughter)
August 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss! My dad, Richard Fred Hood, wired houses for Mr. McCall way back in the day and my parents bought my childhood home from one of his nephews, James McCall. It backed up to their old home property. Little did I know that years later, I would end up going to church with he and Wanda! My dad always thought highly of Alvin and he and Wanda both were such sweet people! And very gracious people! They were both loved by many, they are truly missed!
Mrs. Angel Hood King
Laima Brunner
August 5, 2016
What a god spirited man who always gave of himself to his community and gods people. Truly he will be missed. May God be with the family and bring peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. God bless.
Ted Cook
August 5, 2016
My name is Ted Cook and I grew up with Jeff.... I am very sorry to hear of this terrible loss as the McCall family was part of my young life and is part of my greatest memories... Jeff was a great childhood friend, and his father was always supportive of us as kids and a great role model.... If I could ever do anything thing to help any of them, I certainly would.... 864-320-6719.
Cathy Wichert
August 5, 2016
With deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol Nabers
August 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss. My parents, Bill & Carolyn Nabers were long time friends with Wanda & Alvin. In 1966, we moved from Greenville to Newberry and our Newberry house was built by Alvin's company. Thinking of you at this time.
Jane Daniel
August 5, 2016
Heaven is a better place with Alvin McCall there.
His giving spirit has left a profound effect on the Greenville community at large. Harvest Hope Food Bank is certainly in his debt for all the help he has given hungry families over the years. The McCall family's on-going dedication to help others is a testimony to their true character and integrity. We are grateful and blessed to have known him.
Jack Jamison
August 5, 2016
Alvin McCall, a true follower of Christ, a man of humility and gratitude, a man of great discernment in all his decision making for business and charitable giving, for which he was very generous. He was a great model for young men and a great teacher. His expectations were always clear and they were fair. I was blessed to know him and work for him as a teenager and adult. His spirit will live on with me and so many. Thank you Lord for that and may you comfort, bring peace and bless Mark, Jeff, Paula and all of Alvin's family.Jack J
Mary Beth Provost
August 5, 2016
A great humanitarian and leader in Greenville. My prayers are with his family, who I call friends. I know he is happy to be with your Mom again! Peace to you!
Kim Simpson
August 5, 2016
My sincere condolences on your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your cherished memories.
Kim Fennell Simpson - Betty's daughter
Deb Richardson-Moore
August 4, 2016
Dear McCall family,
Your father was a true friend to us at the Triune Mercy Center. I just saw this morning that you are carrying on his tradition by asking that memorial donations be sent to Triune. I am grateful for all you have done for our homeless population and all you have done for Greenville. Many, many thanks.
Janice Butler
August 4, 2016
Mr. McCall and his wife, Wanda, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Their lives were beautiful expressions of the grace, love, and generosity of Jesus Christ. All that they gave of themselves will continue to touch lives here and reach into eternity. I, along with all the members of Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County, miss them tremendously.
August 4, 2016
I was a caregiver and Mr. McCall was a wonderful person to care for. RIP George
Teresa Skinner
August 3, 2016
Alvin,
You were a good, good man. You taught me so much in such a short time about life. Thank you for believing in and encouraging me. You were a wonderful friend. I will miss you so very much.
Rick Woodall
August 3, 2016
A wondeRful man. Mr. McCall gave so much back to his community and all of Greenville. He will be missed by many.
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