Alvin S. Fields Sr.

ALVIN STAUNTON FIELDS, SR., the youngest of seven children of the late James Howard Fields, Sr. and Etta V. Fields, was born February 20, 1936 in Towson, Maryland. He departed this life peacefully on July 2, 2011 at Manor Care Nursing in Roland Park after a lengthy illness. Alvin was raised in Towson and received his education in the Baltimore County School System. He attended Carver High School , but after two years, left to purse his dream of becoming one of the fewthe proud, the Marines . Although his brothers Warren, Kenneth and Wilfred (“Mickey”) had been drafted into the Army, Alvin sought to volunteer for and gain “early admission” into the Marines by adding several years to his age and several pounds to his frame . When that effort proved unsuccessful, Alvin returned to one of his other loves - working with racehorses on a number of area farms-tending to them, grooming them, exercising them -he had often dreamed of becoming a jockey. Ultimately. However in 1955, Alvin realize his dream of becoming a United States Marine, and achieving the rank of “expert marksman”, before being honorably discharged in 1959 to the 5th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District until 1962. A fiercely proud Marine to the end, “Semper Fi” was forever in Alvin's heart and on his tongue, and he had a special affinity for all Marines, especially for flow Marine Corps veteran and family member, Jo Tollenger, with whom Alvin was known to talk for hours, swapping tales of legends they had become. After active duty, Alvin became civilly employed by the Federal Government, at both the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edge wood Arsenal, before being compelled to leave his employment on retirement/disability due to a medical condition . Alvin enjoyed his work , and delighted in caring for the laboratory animals as one of his last assignment , including a particular monkey with whom he had forged a unique bond During his employment , Alvin volunteered for and proudly served the State of Maryland through his service as a member of the Maryland Army National Guard . On August 19, 1957 , Alvin married Marie Williams, who preceded Alvin in dearth in 1998and out of this union seven children were born : Mark, who preceded Alvin in death in 1990, Lisa , Alvin Jr., Grace, Julia, who preceded Alvin in death in 2009, Tracey and James. “Pop-Pop Al”, as he was fondly known by his grandchildren, had a winning smile, gentle voice and loving spirit, He charmed everyonehe met with his wit and intellect, and particularly enjoyed his penchant for “outsmarting” the next guy. Alvin loved his family, both the one he was born into , and the one created. He worried about them, prayed for them , and proudly talked about them to friends and family, delighting in their success. Alvin was a private , pensive man who didn't like to complain, and who valued his independence. He loved sports, especially baseball, and enjoyed coaching James and his teammates for many years. Later in life, he developed a passionate interest in NASCAR racing. Alvin was a lifelong steward and active member of Asbury United Methodist church in White Marsh, MD, and his tireless efforts on behalf of Asbury continued up until illness forced him to curtail his work. He was a faithful member of the Union of Brothers and Sisters of Ford's Asbury Lodge #1 .Hispersonal and spiritual life was filled with music, not surprising given his family's musical roots and his siblings' Local celebrity He enjoyed playing the drums and singing and others delighted in his voice , as well. Alvin sang on the Sanctuary Choir and in the Men’s Group and his passion for Christ was reflected in his smooth, lilting tenor harmonies on favorite such as “God Is” which seemed to touch thesoul directly. Alvin leaves to mourn: two sons, Alvin S. Fields, Jr. and James H. Fields; three daughters, Lisa D. Scott, Grace L. Thomas and Tracey M. Boeie; eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren: two son-in- law. Joshua Scott, Sr. and Grant Bowie; a daughter-in-law, Andrea Armstrong -Fields; a devoted niece, Linda Fields; devoted friend, Charles Amos; and a host of nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends.

Tributes

Alvin S. Fields Sr.

February 20, 1936 - July 2, 2011