Alvin Smith

Alvin graduated from Ocoee High school and went into the Navy for 4 years following his older brother Lee joining. He spent time on Treasure Island in San Francisco, went for training at Great Lakes and was promoted and transferred to Hawaii, where he was stationed in Pearl Harbor as a court reporter for JAG in the Pacific Submarine Fleet. He enjoyed his time there and spoke of all the things he saw and his adventures.

When he returned, he went into the water well drilling business with his father and brother Lee. He met his wife Joan in Gotha and they married in 1961. After his father passed, he and Lee operated Smith Brothers Well Drilling, which was known and respected far and wide thru out West Orange County. After Lee’s passing, he worked with his nephews Greg and Brian Smith, continuing to drill wells and service pumps.

Alvin enjoyed the water well business and helping people. He was always kind and helpful to anyone he met and wanted to help when he could. He continued to work up until his passing, always saying he should retire, but a call would come in with someone out of water and he’d forget about retiring and run over to help them out. Everyone who has ever encountered him has nothing but nice things to say.

When Alvin wasn’t working, he loved to be in the woods, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and building things. He enjoyed spending time with his family and could never turn down anything sweet. He always had a box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream pies in the kitchen.

Alvin and Joan had one daughter named Pam. Pam and her husband Clay gave Alvin and Joan one grandson in 1997, Warner. He was so proud of Warner, and he meant the world to him.

Alvin passed peacefully during a nap, waiting for his coffee to brew, 4 days before his 88th birthday.

Survivors include Joan Smith, daughter and son-in-law Pam and Clay Ransone, grandson Warner Ransone, nephews Greg Smith and Brian Smith, niece Sandy Smith, and cousin Raymond Ballard.

Alvin enjoyed his life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.