Alvin Floyd Crowder, Jr.

Alvin Floyd Crowder, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina. Born September 24, 1940, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he called Charleston home since moving his family here in 1967. He led a life defined by devotion to family, quiet generosity, and a steady sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. Alvin was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Kathryn Duncan Crowder, his former high school sweetheart, whose partnership and love were at the center of his life.

He is survived by his sister, Kathryn Plowman; his four children, Mary Beth Rivers (Richey) of Moncks Corner, Alvin Crowder (Anita) of Petersburg, VA, Ken Crowder (Kristi) of North Augusta and Karyn Norris (Chip) of Charleston; 12 grandchildren, Colleen Taylor, Lee Rivers, Steven Rivers, Alexandra Crowder, Leah Crowder, David Crowder, Sarah Crowder, Caroline Crowder, Duncan Crowder, Claire Crowder, Elin Norris and Evie Norris; and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and respected.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Alvin Crowder will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, May 4, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family will receive friends between 2:00 and 4:00 PM Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Alvin was the son of the late Alvin Floyd Crowder, Sr. and Joanna E. Crowder (Brockwell). He often talked fondly of spending his early years growing up on a farm and developing a lifelong love of the outdoors. Professionally, he dedicated more than 30 years as a civilian with the Department of the Navy Publications and Printing Service, where he served as Southeast director in Charleston. He made many friends at work, and his career reflected his diligence, integrity, and commitment to public service.

A faithful member of Blessed Sacrament, Alvin found strength and community in his church. He was known for his wry sense of humor and his voracious reading--he read thousands of books and would gift any visitors with books he had finished. He loved and doted on his rescued cats, followed sports with enthusiasm-especially UNC basketball-enjoyed reading the newspaper, doing crosswords in pen, traveling, and exploring languages. He loved an interactive episode of Jeopardy!, which he watched with characteristic curiosity and quick wit. Above all, he cherished time with his family.

Alvin will be remembered as a generous, good-humored, and quick-witted man whose presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lakeside Animal Rescue at PO Box 571, Holly Hill, SC 29059 or to Blessed Sacrament's Parish Life Center at 5 St. Teresa Way, Charleston, SC 29407.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.