Alvin Bernard Samuel

Alvin Bernard Samuel passed away July 18, 2014. He was born June 3, 1931 in Paragould, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Barksdale and Alvin Samuel and daughter, Cynthia Carolyn Samuel. He graduated from Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He earned his commission as an officer in the United States Air Force through ROTC at UNC. He served in the Air Force from 1954-56 and returned home to serve as president of Alvin Samuel Gin, Inc. and oversee other agricultural interests. His family ties to Paragould, Arkansas date back to the 1880's and he was committed to the growth and success of Paragould. This commitment was demonstrated through his service and leadership on various local boards in the community including First National Bank, The Paragould Chamber of Commerce, the Greene County Conservation District, Mud Slough Drainage District, Arkansas Methodist Hospital, and Chateau on the Ridge. Professionally he was a member of Beltwide Cotton Cooperative, Southern Cotton Ginners Association, the National Cotton Council and was an active member of the Board of Directors of ProCot at the time of his death. He loved to shop with his wife and daughters and was a foodie long before it was in style. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Holiman. He was most proud of his three daughters, Angela (Robert) Buchholz of Dallas, Texas, Marion Samuel of Memphis, Tenn., Courtney (Frank) Vandiver of Houston, Texas. He was kept up to date on all the latest gadgets and trends by six grandchildren: Samuel, Donald and Anna Buchholz and Alexander, William and Sarah Vandiver. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 24, 2014 at First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to Chateau on the Ridge (2308 Chateau Blvd., Paragould, Ark. 72450), Arkansas Methodist Hospital Foundation (900 West Kings Highway, Paragould, Ark. 72450), Mission Outreach (9001 East Lake Street, Paragould, Ark. 72450) or the charity of your choice. Sign online guestbook at www.heathfuneralhome.com.