Alvin H. Drury

DRURY Alvin "Al" H., 85, on the 11th day of July 2016 passed after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Al died at home surrounded by family members. Al Drury was born in Lawrenceburg, Anderson County, KY. Al is preceded in death by the late Arthur Drury and mother, Revie Drury; three sisters, Juanita Thurman, Evenda Wash, Evelyn Stinnett; and one brother, A.L. Drury. Al is survived by wife, Imogene Cole Drury; two daughters, Charlotte King (Larry Goodman) and Jill (Russell) Travis; grandchildren, Glen Travis, Jodie Berry, Michael C.(Amanda) King, Lee Travis, Matthew (Robin) King, Barry (Kristen) Buchignani, and Britini Buchignani, Amy Dail and by five great grandchildren. Al is also survived by one brother, Elwood Drury and two sisters, Lois (Lucien) Scott and Phyllis Goins. Al was a devoted husband and loving father. He met his wife, Imogene Cole, at Western County Skating Rink, and a short time later married. One year later, their first daughter, Charlotte arrived and nine years later came another blessing with their daughter, Jill. Al and Imogene celebrated 68 years of devotion to each other in marriage. Al started his career with a milk route at Sunny Dale Dairy and later started Al-Ken Restaurant. He then became a salesman for Broughton Dairy in Lexington, KY. During that time, Al had a part-time job selling and installing storm windows and doors. Taken to the outdoors better, and developing an entrepreneurial spirit, Al purchased Baylor Wilmont, to later become B & W Awning. B & W made awnings, tarps, and venetian blinds. Al expanded the business to remodeling and purchased an office at 433 Spring Street. Al was never dismayed by the chance that expansion might not pay off. He and wife, Imogene continued to work and success came their way. That office remains as I & J Investments, an established business. Al the business grew, with remodeling, he expanded to buying, remodeling and renting houses. Al was self-disciplined, and dedicated to hard work. At the age of 83, Al was still laying carpet, roofing houses, and only cancer kept him from continuing to work. It should also be pointed out that another tribute leading to his success and Al was "thrifty" to the point of saving string! At the same time, he had a gentle heart, was devoted to his wife and family, and could never do enough for them. Al's work ethic, sense of honor, and kind, gentle soul is carried forth by his children and grandchildren. His maturation from the farm in Anderson County brought with it hard-earned wisdom. Al told his family to live by two golden rules: First, treat everyone the way you want to be treated, no matter where they are, who they are, or where they came from; and second, an honest day's work was not below any man. Work hard, take care of your family, and when you meet someone less fortunate, always lend a helping hand - as tomorrow that might be you. An "unsung hero" has been defined as, "Someone who does a great job year received little or no recognition for that. An unsung hero usually refrains from claiming too much in return for his/her efforts." Jordin Sparks said, "My heroes are just everyday people who work hard, are honest, and have integrity." Truly, Al Drury fits that description. Our world today is in desperate need of people like Al Drury who labor quietly but firmly by example and prove inspiration to us all. The family and friends of Al Drury will truly miss the inspiration he brought to the lives of all around him. We honor all that he has done, contributed, and taught his family and friends. Al became famous to friends and family as a man that could fix and/or repair about anything. If the Lord has any remodeling, carpentry, plumbing or electrical work to be done, you can bet Al is already hard at work. The funeral service will be held 11am Thu, July 14, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. Visitation will be 5-8pm Wed and 9:30-11am Thu at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lexington Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons; one great grandson, Corey King; and co-worker and long-time dear friend, Tom Pholski. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Holmes, Clinton Combs, Daniel Deal, Adam Fain, and David Dressman. The family wishes to send special thanks to the Hill-N-Dale Christian Church family for their loving support and prayers and a special thanks to Robbie Phillips, Senior Pastor, and Gene Welsh, Senior Adult Minister. Hospice of the Bluegrass has been indispensable to Al and family in a time of need. Katherine, Mary Ann, and Carolyn have been angels of mercy to Al and the family. Right up to the final passing, Al always met them with his sense of humor and seemed to by trying to comfort them as much they him. The family requests that memorial tributes be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass and Hill-N-Dale Christian Church.