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Alvin Manuel Jr.

Thursday 27th of April 1944 - Tuesday 19th of January 2021

Alvin Manuel Jr.
Alvin Manuel Jr passed away on January 19th, 2021 at the age of 76 in his hometown of Lexington, Ky. Al experienced illness over the years and fought hard for his family to regain his health; however, his recent battle with COVID-19 was too much for him to overcome. Lovingly known as “Big Al” and “Pappy,” he will always be remembered as a caring and fun-loving husband, father and wonderful friend to many. 

Al was born in Richmond, Ky and moved to Mt Sterling where he attended high school and met the love of his life, Nell. They were married in 1965 and had 3 children together. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and spent 30 years with IBM as a Cost Engineer. An avid sportsman, he participated in the IBM golf, tennis, and softball Leagues and received numerous Watson Trophies for his accomplishments. He proudly was a Kentucky Colonel.

His passion for sports started in high school as he was on both the football and basketball and tennis teams. After college he developed a love for the game of golf and played regularly making lifelong friends along the way and creating wonderful memories and stories that would be told for years to come. Al was most proud of his 13 Holes-In-One, including one in a golf tournament that came with an award of 36 dozen golf balls. It is certain that he did not need golf balls for a very long time!

Big Al loved being with his family and playing cards at the table. “Double Sol” and “5 Crowns” were his most recent favorites and he even created homemade trophies to keep track of the winners. He found such joy in the little things in life and accepted everyone for who they were. Pappy was quite the listener, but he was especially known for telling hilarious stories all day long. Oh how we will miss his stories and the belly laughs that came with them!

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Sr and Ima Louise Manuel, his brother, Ray Purvis (Sally) and his sister, Jimmye Lou.

Al is survived by his wife, Nell Manuel, sons, David Manuel (Rachel) and Brad Manuel (Missy), daughter Amy Mullins (Melvin), grandchildren David (Jessica), Courtney, Gracie, Bryson, Emma, Ethan and great grandchildren Chandler, Noah, Levi, Evah and Briar. Also, he will be missed by his niece and nephews as well as his close friend and golf buddy, CB Smith.

Services will be private due to the pandemic; however, Al will be honored with a golf outing, cookout and lots of card playing at a celebration of life this summer. It’s exactly what he would have wanted!

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Guest Book

Ellen Bishopm

says

My prayers are with you Nell.I am sorry for the loss of Al.You have many good memories.Love you my dear friend.Love Ellen and Jerry.

1 month ago

Colleen Duell

says

Dear. Nell and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing ,of. BIG AL. Still remember all the fun we had during our soccer days at TC. and the Hurricane select team.. We have tucked you in our daily prayers. Be careful and safe.

1 month ago

Greg and Shellie Frye

says

I will always remember the good times with him and his family. Sending thoughts, prayers and lots of love!💜

1 month ago

Karen Gardner

says

Dear Brad and family, so very sorry about your loss of big Al. Bill was so very fond of him and loved to play golf with “hoss cats” I miss my bill very much but maybe they can have a game or reminisce about the previous golf tournaments! My thoughts are with you and your family. Karen Gardner

1 month ago

Gloria Morris Kovacic

says

Nell, haven't seen you in years, but remember when we were neighbors in Mt. Sterling. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

1 month ago

Kay and David Jones

says

So very sorry for his passing. Al was my 4th cousin . My/our sympathy to those who loved him most. Kay Cosby Jones and David

1 month ago