757.628.1000

Alvin Emmanuel Gatling


Sunrise: August 17, 1941

Sunset: May 3, 2023

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.

Viewing Friday, May 12, 2023 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Saturday, May 13, 2023 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23321

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Condolences(32)

  1. reply
    Venetia Gunther says

    In the sweet by and by
    We will meet on that beautiful shore
    Alvin, take your rest my friend. God has gained another angel

  2. reply
    Herman A Weaver says

    MAY OUR LORD & SAVIOR BLESS THE GATLING FAMILY WITH PEACE & HEALTH.

  3. reply
    William (Buddy) Rooks says

    Sorry for your loss. Be encourage, have faith in God.

  4. reply
    Frances Chavous says

    Sending prayers of condolence to the family. Sorry for the loss of your loved one.

  5. reply
    Joe & Ethel Goodrich says

    He was good person and proud NORCOMITE

  6. reply
    Michael Everett, Jr. says

    Mr. 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 :)

  7. reply
    Karen Reaves says

    Alvin 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.

  8. reply
    Karen says

    Alvin 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.

  9. reply
    Elder Reginald Williams says

    It’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.

  10. reply
    Jacque Kendall says

    This 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!!

  11. reply
    Wanda Byrd says

    You will be missed.

  12. reply
    Veronica Savage-Johnson/Kevin Johnson says

    Mr. Alvin you will truly be missed! Thanks for being a friend and your excellent bowling advice!

  13. reply
    Robyn Aleasa McIntyre says

    My 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.

  14. reply
    Heather Mazzoni says

    Alvin 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.

  15. reply
    Tony Colden says

    My 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.

  16. reply
    Tony Colden says

    My 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 !!

  17. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  18. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  19. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  20. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  21. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  22. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

    • reply
      Joseph R Pitts says

      I just recently got the news of Alvin’s passing. My deepest condolences to all of the Gatling family. I worked with Alvin at WHRO. When he found out I was from Portsmouth, we really hit it off! I loved the way he wouldn’t let a major sporting event pass without setting up a pool!! I last saw him back in 2020 as I was leaving the area and I already miss seeing him mornings around the building. Such a great guy.

  23. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My 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 !!

  24. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My deepest condolences to the family. Alvin was my mentor when I played baseball and softball. He had a great spirit! Rest in Heaven !!

  25. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Heaven !!

  26. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    My deepest condolences to the family.

  27. reply
    Tony E Colden says

    Rest in Heaven my friend

  28. reply
    Tony Colden says

    Rest in Heaven my friend

  29. reply
    Tony Colden says

    Rest in Heaven

  30. reply
    Tony C says

    Rest in Heaven

  31. reply
    Bryant T. Moore says

    To 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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