Alvin E. Gatling was born on August 17, 1941, in Rich Square North Carolina, to the late Horace Gatling and Willie Harris-Gatling. Alvin peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2023. His brother, LaDanielGatling, precedes him in death.
Alvin was raised in Douglas Park in Portsmouth, Virginia; he graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1961 where he was an outstanding athlete. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and football! He was inducted into I.C. Norcom High School’sSports Hall of Fame as well as Portsmouth’s Sports Hall of Fame. His top two sports were football and baseball. Between these two sports he received 26 scholarships. He ultimately decided to attend Norfolk State on a football scholarship.
Alvin took up the hobby of bowling later in life and excelled at this sport as well, he affectionally became known as “The Legend”. He has more than 15 sanctioned 300 bowling games to his credit.
Alvin was a faithful employee with WHRO Public Media since 1993 where he was truly loved and respected for his service; previous employment include Norfolk Southern Railway for 10 years and Systems Management American Corporation.
Alvin’s love for sports and concern for youth compelled him to become a great servant and motivator to many young boys in the community while coaching Little League baseball, football and basketball. He worked at various locations with PortsmouthParks and Recreation for several years.
Mr. Gatling’s kind and loving personality was felt by all those who came into contact with him. He always presented a warm smile, gentle laughs, and words of affirmation to anyone he came across. No matter what circumstances or challenges others faced, Alvin had the unique ability to find goodness and happiness in every situation. To his nieces and nephews, he always seemed larger than life. It was not just his physical stature that made him great, but the overwhelming love he possessed and displayed that made him the gentle, affectionate, and kind man he was.
Alvin leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 38 years, Deborah A. Gatling, three brothers, Leondas Gatling, twin brother, Joseph Calvin Gatling (Patricia), Bernard Gatling, brother-in-law Bobby Hooper (Patricia), sisters-in-law, Brenda Harris and Phyllis Harris and a host of devoted family, friends/co-workers.
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Venetia Gunther says
May 8, 2023 at 9:35 pmIn the sweet by and by
We will meet on that beautiful shore
Alvin, take your rest my friend. God has gained another angel
Herman A Weaver says
May 9, 2023 at 9:12 amMAY OUR LORD & SAVIOR BLESS THE GATLING FAMILY WITH PEACE & HEALTH.
William (Buddy) Rooks says
May 9, 2023 at 10:33 amSorry for your loss. Be encourage, have faith in God.
Frances Chavous says
May 9, 2023 at 2:47 pmSending prayers of condolence to the family. Sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Joe & Ethel Goodrich says
May 10, 2023 at 8:38 amHe was good person and proud NORCOMITE
Michael Everett, Jr. says
May 10, 2023 at 12:12 pmMr. Alvin was a kind and loving person. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. You will be dearly missed by so many. Can’t wait to see you again in Heaven Mr. Big Time :)
Karen Reaves says
May 10, 2023 at 4:56 pmAlvin made it his business to look out for us while he worked at Douglass Park center. We called him our unofficial big brother. He was kind, considerate and could play baseball and bowl. He will be missed by his little sisters from Douglass Park. Take your rest, Alvin.
Karen says
May 10, 2023 at 4:57 pmAlvin made it his business to look out for us while he worked at Douglass Park center. We called him our unofficial big brother. He was kind, considerate and could play baseball and bowl. He will be missed by his little sisters from Douglass Park. Take your rest, Alvin.
Elder Reginald Williams says
May 10, 2023 at 11:10 pmIt’s amazing the impact that person could have on you 50 years ago and it’s as fresh in my memories as if it was yesterday. Alvin Gatling made Douglas Park a place that will always be in my heart. Rest on sir. You made a difference.
Jacque Kendall says
May 11, 2023 at 10:37 amThis is such a gut punch!!
Alvin and my mother worked together for so many years at Douglas Park recreation center. They work so close. I knew he was my relative. They made sure that Douglas Park and the surrounding communities were active busy and engaged. I so look forward to him being there at, the rededication of the Hendricks Kindle recreation center in which he was a great part of the building so I know you are reunited with Ruth, Flo, and Ramon.
I know it’s a lot of ball playing and collaboration going on up in heaven! Take your rest you done good!!
Wanda Byrd says
May 12, 2023 at 8:58 amYou will be missed.
Veronica Savage-Johnson/Kevin Johnson says
May 12, 2023 at 11:23 amMr. Alvin you will truly be missed! Thanks for being a friend and your excellent bowling advice!
Robyn Aleasa McIntyre says
May 12, 2023 at 1:56 pmMy deepest condolences to Deborah Gatling and the family of Alvin. I will always remember his kind spirit and willingness to help anyone in need as well as ability to make you laugh. Rest in heaven! You will be missed greatly.
Heather Mazzoni says
May 12, 2023 at 1:56 pmAlvin was a kind and caring man who made everyone at WHRO smile. Our hallways are quiet now, but our love for Alvin is never ending. We are thankful for the time we had with our beloved Alvin.
Tony Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:19 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA. He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win. He had a great spirit! Every time we would see other he would stop and with that smile and hand shake would say how you doing boy you can hit ball. We had some good times! He’s going to be truly missed. Rest in Heaven my friend.
Tony Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:20 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA. He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win. He had a great spirit! Every time we would see other he would stop and with that smile and hand shake would say how you doing boy you can hit ball. We had some good times! He’s going to be truly missed. Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:20 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA. He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win. He had a great spirit! Every time we would see other he would stop and with that smile and hand shake would say how you doing boy you can hit ball. We had some good times! He’s going to be truly missed. Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:22 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA.( The Green Machine) He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Every time we would see other he would stop and with that smile and hand shake would say how you doing boy you can hit ball. He’s going to be truly missed. Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:23 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA.( The Green Machine) He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Every time we would see other he would stop and with that smile and hand shake would say how you doing boy you can hit ball. Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:23 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA.( The Green Machine) He was had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:24 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. For Softball he pitched and played first base for Mt. Carmel and coach for SMA.( The Green Machine) He always had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:25 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. In baseball he and his brother were our umpires for Charles Pete Little League. He always had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:26 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. He always had kind words to motivate you to make sure you understand the situation and how we was going to win it He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:27 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:28 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Heaven !!
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:28 pmMy deepest condolences to the family.
Tony E Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:28 pmRest in Heaven my friend
Tony Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:30 pmRest in Heaven my friend
Tony Colden says
May 12, 2023 at 3:30 pmRest in Heaven
Tony C says
May 12, 2023 at 3:30 pmRest in Heaven
Bryant T. Moore says
May 12, 2023 at 8:02 pmTo the Gatlin Family, my deepest condolences go out to you on the lost of your loved one. Alvin will always be know to me as “Big Money” because his personality, smile and character said so much about him. I will miss seeing him around but I know like you, he will always be with us in our thoughts and memories.
May God provide each of you comfort during this time of sorrow and may his grace and blessings be with you always.
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