Alvah Smith

Alvah Hervey Smith, age 90, met his Lord Jesus face to face in Glory on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Born March 29, 1932, in Florence, New Jersey, to Alvah and Marie Smith, he was one of 12 children born in the family home.

The highlight of his youth was playing football for Florence Township High School, Lawrence Prep, and college teams including WakeForest, Texas A&M, The University of Florida, and Drexel. Unfortunately, his love for football far outweighed his dedication to academics, and he left college without a degree.  Nevertheless, Alvahwent on to a long and successful career for the government as an OSHA compliance officer. Upon retirement he began a consulting career, using his expertise to improve safety standards for workers on construction sites across the Tri-State area.

​Together with his wife Edna, Alvah raised threedaughters.  They enjoyed spending time at the beach and in the mountains of Vermont.  Alvah was an avid skier in his younger years, and enjoyed cycling later in life. It was not unusual for Al to ride over 60 miles through the Pine Barrens of NJ.  He could often be seen riding his recumbent cycle throughout Fawn Lakes even into his mid-80s.

​As a member of Manahawkin Baptist Church forover 40 years, Al served as a teacher, an elder,and finally a prayer team leader up until the time of his passing.  Reading was a great source of joy for him, and he studied the Word of God through many of the world’s great theologians.  His collection of theological books is extensive and well read. He shared many of his thoughts on Christ through his prolific writings,which will live on to bless all who read them.

​Alvah is survived by his three children and their families, including seven grandchildren and four belovedgreat-grandchildren, as well as two of his siblings. He cherished all of them, and they knew they were loved and prayed for by him. His Godly influence, encouragement, and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

​A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at Manahawkin Baptist Church on Hilliard Boulevard.