Haynes Alvis Obituary

ROGERSVILLE - Haynes W. "Pop" Alvis, age 94, of Rogersville, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at home after a recent brief period of declining health. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Opal Price "Opie" Alvis, parents Oscar R. "Happy" & Clara Webb Alvis, and brother, Glenn L. Alvis. Haynes was born in Pressmen's Home, TN in 1928.

He is survived by his son, Michael Haynes Alvis, of Rogersville, daughter Martha Alvis Koons (Perry F.), of Honolulu, HI, grandson, Perry Michael Koons (Crownsville, MD), granddaughter, Christie Koons Jewell (Jon), great-grandchildren, Ozzie Jackson & Moxie Kai Jewell (all of Honolulu, HI), and several nieces and nephews.

Haynes attended schools in Rogersville before earning a Bachelor's degree at Carson-Newman College in 1950. After graduation, he married his long-time sweetheart, Opal, in 1951. They eventually settled in Tampa, FL, where they resided until 1964.

His first job as a teen was at Harrison Produce in Rogersville. Haynes worked most of his career for Phillips Petroleum Company in Florida & Georgia, before returning to Rogersville in 1976 to open Alvis Keepsakes Gift Shop. In the early 1980's, Haynes was a founding charter member of the Hawkins County Genealogical Society. He enjoyed doing genealogical research from age 18 until his death. He aided countless people in their genealogical searches by cataloging more than 600 cemeteries in Hawkins County.

Haynes was a long-time active member of Rogersville First Baptist Church for many decades until he became home-bound due to the pandemic and declining health. He was baptized November 1944 and attended several churches in Florida and Georgia before returning to Tennessee.

Haynes loved camping and travel. He & Opal visited every state except Hawaii. They also visited several foreign countries during their travels.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Rogersville First Baptist Church TV Ministry, Michael Alvis Endowed Art Scholarship at Carson-Newman University, or to the charity of your choice.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Highland Cemetery in Rogersville on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

Christian-Sells Funeral Home is serving the family.