Alan Thomas Withrow

Born March 2, 1943 in Wilmington, NC, he was the son of the late Alfred Thomas Withrow and Clara Lee Lennon Withrow. After moving to Charlotte from Carolina Beach in 1949 Alan attended McClintock Junior High School and graduated South Mecklenburg Senior High School in 1962. He pursued a double major Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Production Management at Western Carolina University completing his degrees in 1966. During his Cullowhee years Alan passionately led, as it’s president, the Alpha Chi Omega fraternity and worked on the Catamounts’ yearbook editorial and ad sales team.

As a young boy Alan vividly recalled sitting under his family’s dining room table on Sunday evenings listening to his dad and uncles talk about their family real estate and growing business endeavors. As a teenager Alan and his brothers founded a Krispy Kreme sales company working with and coaching other teens to sell doughnuts door to door on Saturday mornings.

Working in the family business coupled with his education served him well as he worked with his father in development. His primary career began early in his college years when he purchased, with doughnut sales money, several mobile homes he rented for extra income. This ushered in an illustrious and life-long career in mobile home park development and management. During his career Alan developed and led more than fifty projects encompassing all phases of mobile home park development, home sales and management. Alan served multiple terms as the Southern Piedmont Manufactured Housing Association President.

The joys of Alan’s life included telling stories and making memories with friends and family. One lifetime highlight includes his trips to the National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA, before sailing to England for the Scout World Jamboree. Earning his Eagle Scout rank on July 4, 1957 he devoted most of his last 25 years to paying it forward being a scout volunteer. Alan whole-heartedly supported the Boy Scouts of America programs at St. Stephen United Methodist Church. He was best known for his work with Personal Management and Cooking merit badge classes. Additionally, he worked for years setting high standards for adult volunteers and poured countless hours into food service in Café 118.

As a young man he was an avid boater. He thoroughly enjoyed motor home travel throughout various times in his life. He was a devoted father and loving grandfather seeing his youngest son and both of his oldest grandsons through their Eagle Scout ceremonies. In the most recent years he thoroughly enjoyed spending time at his Avery County NC home with his wife, Renee, looking at the mountains and viewing stunning sunsets while listening to his beloved classic country music. Often his and Renée’s beloved Golden Doodle, Arabella, the canine love of his life was by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Renée Price Withrow; three children in Charlotte: Christopher Alan Withrow (Thaedra), Robyn Bryte Withrow (Beth) and Peter Grant Withrow; in Dallas, Tx: Step-son Joshua Seth Houston (Airiel); and 4 beloved grandchildren Lennon Alexander Withrow (Taylor); Pierce Gregory Withrow; Violet Houston; and Holt Houston as well as brothers: Dr. Glenn Withrow (Chapel Hill) and Dr. Jerry Withrow (Charlotte).

The family would like to thank the many caregivers and Novant Hospice staff who helped us all over the last eight months. We could not have done it without their compassionate support. Caregiver, Olga Lyle, was a breath of fresh air during the last several months.

The family will receive friends on Saturday July 9 beginning at 2:30pm. A celebration of life will follow at 4pm at St. Stephen UMC.

Memorials can be made to the Troop 118 Foundation c/o St. Stephen United Methodist Church 6800 Sardis Road Charlotte NC 28270