Alvin T. Gayles 1954-2021

Mr. Gayles, affectionately known as “Big Al,” was born Nov. 5, 1954, in Youngstown, a son of Rivers W. and Erma Jean Foster Gayles.

He was a 1972 graduate of North High School and a graduate of Youngstown State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. He was also a certified mechanical engineer and attended the American Diesel Training Center in Columbus.

Alvin had been employed for 10 years with Youngstown Sheet & Tube until its closing, at which time he became a self-employed landscaper.

He was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, its trustee ministry and was the groundskeeper. He was a member of the NAACP.

Alvin enjoyed sports, especially football, and was an avid Cleveland Browns fan. He played little league football for United Excavating for three years, high school football and coached little league for the Northside Knights Little League Football team.

He also enjoyed grilling and being with his grandchildren and great-grandson, and loved Earth, Wind & Fire so much so that he had a collection of all of their music.

He leaves to cherish his beloved memories his daughter, Alisa (John) Forrester of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren, Marlecia, Jermia, Harmonie, John III, Justyna, Justyn, Heaven, Zarhiana, Jacey and Lartee; a great-grandson, Eu’Marri; his stepson, Gregory O. Davenport of Youngstown; two sisters, Jacqueline (Jerome) Miller of Youngstown and Francesca Gayles of Columbus; two nephews whom he reared, Jovan Gayles and Arzell Muldrow, both of Columbus; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, church family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Justise Hairston; two nephews, Donta Muldrow Sr., whom he reared, and Vincent McCarley Jr.; and siblings, Donnie and Larry Gayles and Renee Muldrow.

A walk-through will be held 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, with funeral services to follow at 10 a.m. Due to the pandemic, all guests are asked to please wear masks and observe social distancing. For the health and safety of everyone, please do not linger at the church after viewing.

A service of dignity and love entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)