Sophia, NC-William Franklin Alder, 98, formerly of Spring Creek, WV, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, from Graybrier Rehabilitation Center in Trinity, NC, following a brief illness.
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” Proverbs 3:1-2
Born Jan. 7, 1922, on Spring Creek, he was the youngest child born to the late William Robert Alder and the late Hannah Caroline Lewis Alder Lane.
He was retired from Carbide Saw Company in High Point, NC, with many years of service. He was a Pastor of Laurel Hill Regular Baptist Church at Friars Hill and pastored several churches within the Mt. Union Association of Churches. He was a man of strong faith, loved the Lord, and loved singing gospel hymns, spending time with family, including nieces and nephews that included numerous trips to Greenbrier County. He never failed to share the word of God with all who would listen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Arlene McMillion Alder, in 1996; two daughters, Charlotte Ann Sinko and Mary Elizabeth Alder; three grandchildren, William Joseph Howell, Timothy T. Alder, an infant granddaughter Mary; and one great-grandchild. Also preceding him in death were six sisters, Stella Alder, Mary Rudd, Blanche Lewis, Florncie Workman, Thursey Rudd Barben and Frankie Lewis; and four brothers, Sam Alder, Leslie Alder, Solomon Lane and John Anthony Lane.
He leaves to mourn six daughters, Jewell Lutz, Zella Staley and Donna Wilson (David), all of Thomasville, NC, Debbie Freeman and Andrea Alder, both of Sophia, NC and Juanita Anstine of Windsor, PA; three sons, Roger Lee Alder (Joyce) of Lewisburg, Billy D. Alder (Cathy) of Williamsburg, and Dennis Alder of Airville, PA; 29 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg with Donald Robertson and Steven Monninger officiating. Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery on Brushy Flat, near Renick.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until time of the service at the funeral home on Sunday.
Donations of sympathy may be made to Ellis Chapel Cemetery Fund c/o Otis Lewis, 486 Trout Road, Williamsburg, WV 24991.
A covered dish reception will be held at the WV School of Medicine Alumni Building in Lewisburg following the interment.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
