Alvin Lane Carter

January 25, 1935 - October 12, 2021

Alvin Lane Carter, 86, of Lexington, Va. passed away in his home on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. He was the son of the late Harry Mapp Carter Sr. and Mabel Irvin Carter. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sally Tilson Carter; his brother, Harry Mapp Carter Jr.; his three daughters, Virginia Raworth Carter, Lanier Carter Work (Bill), Rebecca Carter Marquardt (Howard); and his four grandchildren, Haley and Pierson Marquardt and Sybella and Carter Work.

Growing up in Rockbridge County on the family farm, Alvin learned from his dad how to raise and prepare cattle for the market, and continued farming into his 60's. He is a graduate of Parry McCluer High School and attended Roanoke College. After college, he joined the National Guard in 1957 and served for five years.

Alvin opened a clothing store, Alvin-Dennis, in September of 1963 with good friend Dennis Dixon and became sole owner in 1975. Alvin-Dennis is often spoken of as "the" place to shop in Lexington for classic, fine men's and women's apparel serving the students of W&L and VMI, and the local and surrounding communities.

Many meaningful and lasting relationships were built over the years with Alvin's employees, students, and other patrons of the store. He had a special gift of connecting with others on a personal level, making them feel welcome and important. He was awarded Business Individual of the Year in February 2014 by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding reputation for customer service. His love of people and sales has made Alvin-Dennis an icon in the community for over 58 years.

Although Alvin-Dennis was his lifelong passion, he also enjoyed playing golf, spending time at Ocean Isle Beach with family and friends, and serving his church. He was often described as someone who never met a stranger and never forgot a face. Most importantly, he was a great husband, father, and grandfather who instilled strong values, work ethic, and the importance of family.

Due to COVID, visitation and funeral services will be held at the gravesite at Oak Grove Cemetery (formerly Stonewall Jackson) and officiated by Reverend Joe Cailles on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington, Va.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Oct. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Carter

Sponsored by Harrison Funeral Home.

4 Entries

David S Cayer

October 24, 2021

I have shopped at Alvin Dennis since my W&L days. I never visited Lexington without dropping in at the store. I appreciated his good service and good humor. A couple years ago I walked in and said I was interested in a W&L belt. His response- "I'd like to sell you one !" God bless his family during this sad time.

David S. Cayer W&L '76

William "Chip" Johnson, Albuquerque, NM

October 22, 2021

I had the honor and privilege of working part time at Alvin-Dennis while I was in law school at W&L and I´m in that lucky group of college/law school students who were fortunate to gain some very important lessons in life by knowing and working for Al Carter. Even though I graduated in 1985, I maintained my friendship with Al Carter and always enjoyed catching up with him when I traveled to Lexington. Traveling to Lexington without being able to catch up with Al at the A/D just won´t be the same. I extend my heart felt condolences to Mrs. Carter and the entire Carter family.

Bruce Poole

October 22, 2021

I had the privilege of working for Mr. Carter at Alvin-Dennis while in college and law school. He taught me many things, but three values of his stand out: hard work, integrity, and sociability.

I think his instruction was as important to me as any I have received in life. A return trip to Lexington will never be the same without being able to stop in and visit with him.

Stuart Morgan

October 14, 2021

Thank you, Alvin, for the clothes, local wisdom, laughter and friendship.

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