Alvin “Cap” was born, grew up, and spent his life in Old Hickory Village. He attended classes at DuPont Schools where he excelled in music. He was the drum major of the marching band during high school. Al played piano from a young age and enjoyed music of all types. As a young man, he played his recital at the Old Hickory Methodist Church where he attended services throughout his life. Later in life Al enjoyed helping at the church with the music and sound for services.
Al also played basketball and was on the 1953 TSSAA State Championship Team. While working as a millwright for DuPont Plant he enjoyed officiating the plant basketball league games as a referee. After high school Al attended Austin Peay University, and joined the Tennessee National Guard before joining the Air Force.
Al joined the Air Force and met the love of his life, another radar operator, Margo. They married 8 days after meeting one another. They were stationed in Buffalo, NY and Nova Scotia, Canada before returning to “The Village” where they would live together for nearly 65 years. Once back from the Air Force, Al began working at DuPont Plant and like his father retired from there.
You would hardly ever see Al without Margo. When they were younger they rode bicycles, and later scooters around the Village. They enjoyed seeing neighbors, going to community events or grabbing something to eat at Polly’s, later Maisie’s. When his son Scott was young, Al was a boy scout leader and often volunteered with Margo at school jamborees and other Village events. Alvin never met a stranger and was always willing to lend an ear or take someone under his wing to help them.
Al was a huge lover of animals and the outdoors. He always had at least one dog and a cat or two in his life. He wouldn’t leave an animal in need without assistance and spent thousands of dollars helping our four legged friends. He loved nature and always had a yard full of songbirds who came by to visit his many feeders. During his younger years he enjoyed camping, fishing, and having cookouts for his neighbors.
Al stayed in touch with many of his life long friends from DuPont schools and DuPont Plant. He looked forward to plant, school, and military reunions and meeting with his breakfast club friends. He was very involved with his church family, friends, and the community until his passing. When Margo passed his connections with the community kept him going and brought him comfort. Al will be greatly missed by friends, family, his kitty Shine, and his faithful companion dog Tippy. Alvin is survived by his son Scott Caplinger, and daughter Keely Caplinger
A visitation for Alvin will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, Tennessee. A graveside service will follow at 12:00.
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