It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of Second Harvest’s valued team members, Alvin Cantrell. Alvin passed away Wednesday evening, April 5, 2017. Alvin served our hungry neighbors for nine passionate years in Second Harvest’s transportation department as a driver and then as the face that greeted many of our Partner Agencies when picking up orders.
Alvin had a big smile and an even bigger heart. He exemplified and personified the mission of Second Harvest, and he will be deeply missed. He will be laid to rest Monday, April 10, 2017, and the family has provide details below for the Celebration of Life Service. You can honor Alvin by wearing blue to symbolize Colon Cancer Awareness.
Alvin A. Cantrell Jr. Celebration of Life Service
Monday, April 10, 2017
New Generation of Life Funeral Home
2930 Murfreesboro Pike, Antioch, TN 37013
Public Viewing 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Services 11:00 a.m.
Below are some memories of Alvin shared by Second Harvest staff:
Alvin was a great person to work with. Always a good communicator and always followed up, never dropped the ball. Quick to smile and joke to keep things good and positive. Called me “Big Money Dave.” One time he knew I was going into Amish Country and he wanted a straw hat. I got us both one and neither of us ever wore them! He made people feel good, simple as that.
He has left a hole here that cannot be filled. We should now try to do what he did as much as we can. Be good to each other like he was to us. Blessings and peace to you, my friend.
-David Cloniger, Food Resources Manager
I knew him prior to coming to work for Second Harvest because he used to pick up loads from another company I worked for, well anyway one day Alvin came to Elm Hill location well dressed and smelling like an expensive bottle of cologne as usual it was summer time he had on a pair of shorts I call myself cracking a joke on him by saying “Alvin look at your skinny ankles” and we both laughed so hard but then he came back with his own joke on me “ Nicole you are the only adult woman I know that has small hands with baby size fingers” we both laughed so hard again-I wear a size 4 ring, also Alvin would pull up a chair beside me while waiting for his truck to be loaded Alvin would say to me “ Nicole teach me your job I want to learn as much as possible about everything I can in the transportation department” and of course I would tell him a few things about my duties & responsibilities at Elm Hill he would just shaking his head put his hand underneath his chin and “grin” with a smirk and his response would be Wow! I can do your job. So, Alvin you keep the Laughter and smiles going in heaven as you did here on earth peace my brother in Christ.
-Nicole Wells, Administrative Transportation Coordinator
As part of my training, during my first few weeks at the food bank, I had the pleasure of getting to ride with Alvin while he made deliveries to some of our Nashville agencies. I think about that day a lot. Driving around with Alvin gave me such a good introduction to the world of Second Harvest, and always stood out in my mind as a highlight of my training. Not only did he introduce me to some of our agencies, but Alvin gave me an idea of the culture and atmosphere of what it is like to work at Second Harvest, which I soon learned was warm, friendly, and sometimes a little goofy. On that day when I was a stranger, and nervous and timid in my first ever office job, Alvin genuinely made me feel welcome and comfortable. That I will never forget. I know he will live in on in all of us as we continue to carry out our mission with passion and warmth, just as Alvin showed to us all.
-Paige Hopkins, Benefits Outreach Counselor
