Alvin Eli Foster

Alvin Eli Foster, 84, of Summerville, SC, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Al was raised in a small community in Wilkesboro, NC, son of Berlie C. Foster and Laura Mae Williams Foster on March 22, 1938. He was the youngest of seven children. It was a tough life of meager means, but they farmed and raised animals for food, so all were well fed. He and his siblings have great stories they've handed down about the biscuits and Karo syrup, clothes and quilts made from feed sacks, car races, homemade fun, moonshine, and so much more. 

Al left school early to meet the challenges of life head on. He started out working in a hosiery factory in NC, went on to the Highway Dept. in SC, got his GED, and joined the US Air Force. He became an Electronics Technician, repairing aircraft radar detection systems. His assignments took him from TX, to Kansas City, MO, Canada, Charleston, SC, MS, NY, NC, then back to Charleston. There, he retired and settled in Summerville, SC after 20 years of honorable service. During his USAF service, he met and married the love of his life of 65 years, Colleen Ann Kurilo Foster, and they had 5 children. During his time in service he also took on second jobs to support his family including UPS at night and a bouncer at a night club on weekends. 

After retirement, Al ran five nightclubs including Radar Club, Lazy B, and OB's. He also wrote poetry, song lyrics, and even a book. He enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with great people in the country music industry as well. He also worked for the shipyard and US Post Office for a short time.

Al had a knack with nature and animals and continued on as owner of Big Hickory Farm in Jedburg, SC. He and his wife were featured in the Post & Courier for the flock of hummingbirds they fed at their peach farm. He never knew an easy road, but was the best person you would ever want to meet with a kind word or good solid piece of advice. He never turned his back on anyone in need, including his mom, dad, and sisters whenever they called on him. He would help his mom and dad on the farm, took care of his sister Dottie when she became ill, and helped his sister Dare.

Al will be known for his wisdom, dogged determination, great humor, and practical jokes. He will surely be missed, but Heaven will be a better place with Al there.

In addition to his wife, Colleen A. Foster of Summerville, SC, Al leaves behind his sister, Frances Dare Johnson of Highpoint, NC; children, Debbie Sueverkruepp (Don) of Charleston, SC, Ruth Hysell (John) of Warner Robins, GA, Teresa Foster also of Warner Robins, GA, and Eric Foster of Summerville, SC; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Al is predeceased by his parents, Berlie Columbus Foster and Laura Mae Foster; siblings, Berlie Taft Foster, Annie Roxie Anderson, Dorothy "Dottie" Mae Miller, Valerie Blanche Evans, and Bertha Jane Tugman; and a son, Wayne Foster.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday morning, September 14, 2022 in St. John the Beloved Catholic Church at 11 o'clock. The Rite of Committal will follow in Summerville Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 o'clock until 8 o'clock at Parks Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvin Eli Foster, please visit our floral store.