Alvin "Al" Joyner Whitten, age 97, departed this life on June 18, 2017. He was born on October 25, 1919. The youngest child of the late Houston Joyner and Evie Ramsey Whitten, Al graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1942 with a degree in Agriculture. Following graduated, Al served as a Captain in the Army during World War II in the 5th Theater (China-Burma-India). He and his brother, Dorris Whitten, owned and operated Whitten Brothers General Merchandise in North View until he retired in 2000. A devoted and active member of First Baptist Church in South Hill, he served as a Deacon, Trustee and Sunday School teacher. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Jonathan Alvin Whitten, his wives, Helen Joiner Whitten and Lillian Wise Tisdale, his brothers, Dorris A. Whitten and Elmer L. Whitten, and his sister, Lily W. Hubbard. He is survived by his wife, Glynn Lewis Whitten and her children, Brenda Carter Durden (David) of Harrisonburg, VA, Carol Carter Thomas (Lynn) of Clarksville, VA, and H. Wayne Carter, III, of Chase City, VA, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survieved by three nieces, Sammye Hubbard Vieh of Casper, WY, Janet Hubbard of Fayston, VT, and Harriet Hubbard Gaillard (Richard) of Chapel Hill, NC, and one nephew, Charles Edward Hubbard (Sandra) of Palmer Springs, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church in South Hill. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on June 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Crestview Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors at the home at all other times. Online condolences may be placed at www.farrarfuneralhome.net. Farrar Funeral Home of South Hill is serving the family.