Alvin A. Barger

Alvin A. Barger, age 86, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Sunday morning, August 31, 2008, at his home. He was the son of the late Frank and Margaret Maggie Barger. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edwin Barger, Frank Barger, Jr. and Johnny Barger; and sisters, Jewell Gobble, Dorothy McClanahan and Imogene Wainwright.

He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church for 49 years where he was past president of the Kelly Sunday School Class, was a member of the Over-80s Club, and was a very active member of Congregational Care. He was a mentor for two confirmands.

A veteran of World War II, (1942-1946), Mr. Barger was assigned to the 825th Tank Destroyer (Tullahoma). As sergeant, he served in France (Normandy) and Central Europe with General George Patton as head of security to protect advance communications and special guard to the general. He was recipient of the American Theatre Ribbon, European, African, Middle Eastern Ribbon, four bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He received a special honor certificate for duty in the battle of the bulge surrender. He was presented a diploma in honor of his word with the Veterans History Project in Tennessee.

He was signed by the Boston Braves " now Atlanta Braves " but was called into the war. After discharge from the army, he worked for the police department for 13 months and then Olin Corporation for 23 ½ years before his retirement. He received his diploma from National School of Business and Accounting and Business in 1951. He was inducted into the Old Timers Club to its Hall of Fame in baseball in 2000.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Barger; daughters; Dionne Merritt and her husband, J. B., and Vickie Barger; granddaughters, Mary Ann Merritt, Jane Merritt, and Susan Howard and her husband, Billy; great grandchildren: Isaiah Howard and Chloe Howard; brothers, Clifford Barger and Jimmy Barger; sister, Frances McClanahan; and special friend, Will Pryor.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Reed Shell and Rev. Debbie Stokes officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Tommy Shugart, Kirk Gobble, Joe Clyde McClanahan, Johnny McClanahan, Tony McClanahan, Gary McClanahan, Steve Barger and Terry Barger serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Kelly Class.

Memorials may be made to Congregational Care, Broad Street United Methodist Church P. O. Box 3 Cleveland, TN 37364 or Family Home Care (formerly Skyridge Hospice Group) 175 24th Street Cleveland, TN 37311.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 2, 2008, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of funeral arrangements and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net