Alvin Wilson

Asheville William Alvin Wilson, Sr., 87, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at his residence. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Mr. Wilson retired following 32 years of service from Sayles-Biltmore Bleacheries, was a member of Gashes Creek Baptist Church and founder of the Alvin Wilson and the Happy Valley Boys Bluegrass Band. He was a son of the late Hobert Laston Wilson, Sr. and Janie Lou Dotson Wilson and was the husband of the late Martha Nell Harris Wilson who died in 2005. He was also preceded in death by his son, William Alvin Wilson, Jr., formerly of Nashville, TN, who died March 5, 2011. Surviving are his grandson, Mark Wilson and wife Christy and twin great grandsons, Ethan and Elias Wilson all of Madison, TN; sister, Mary Sue Pettit of Asheville; brothers, Rev. H.L. Wilson, Jr. and wife Bobbie of Asheville and Jim Wilson and wife Ruth Ann of Walnut; adopted granddaughter, Melody Lathan Rickard of Asheville and special friend and caregiver, Tammy Freeman. Funeral services will be held 2 P.M. Thursday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. H.L. Wilson, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Emmas Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Fairview. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.