Alan was born in Lincolnton, GA and grew up in High Point, NC where he started his career in the furniture business with Alderman Studios. Alan retired from Bassett Furniture as Vice President of Sales after a very successful 34 years of service. Alan was a mentor to many in the furniture industry. Alan was an avid golfer and was involved in the leadership of Catawba Country Club where he served several terms on the Board of Directors. Alan was in charge of, and helped recruit, the many volunteers that have made the Hickory Classic successful for the past twelve years.
Alan’s unfailing optimism and graciousness drew people to him. He was a gentleman, a story teller, a good man who touched many lives and made them better.
Alan is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara, his two daughters, Jinx McGrail (Neal) of Macon, GA and Jan Featherston (John) of Marietta, GA. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Brooks of St. Petersburg, FL.
He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, Ashley McGrail Bryan (Jim) of Colfax, NC, Lindsay McGrail West (Mikell) of Savannah, GA, Lauren McGrail Norris (Jeff) of Roswell, GA, Benjamin Alan McGrail of Baltimore, MD, Jack Featherston, Bohler Featherston and Caroline Featherston of Marietta, GA.
His four great grandchildren are Aidan, Hawkins, Anna Grace and Maggie Bryan of Colfax, NC.
The family will receive friends at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home, 56 NW Blvd., Newton, NC on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 from 6–8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Main Avenue, Newton, NC, with Rev. Dr. David Greene and Rev. Dan Martin, officiating. A private entombment for the family will follow at Floral Gardens Memorial Park in High Point, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Newton, 300 N. Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658 or to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18