Alvie Tinsley

THEBES, Ill. -- Alvie "Curly" Tinsley, 88, of Thebes died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Jonesboro Health Care Center in Jonesboro, Ill.

He was born Jan. 17, 1916, in Gale, Ill., son of Alva and Maude Smith Tinsley. He and Barbara Merritt were married May 30, 1959. She died April 5, 1998.

Tinsley was a retired iron worker. He was a member of International Iron Workers Local 1 in Chicago, Caledonia Lodge 47 AF&AM in Olive Branch, Ill., Grand Tower VFW Post 6047 in Grand Tower, Ill., and American Legion Post 0900 in McClure, Ill.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Survivors include a son, Carl Tinsley of Tallahassee, Fla.; a daughter, Debra Tinsley; two sisters, Jewell May of Cape Girardeau, Jessie Lambert of Jackson; a brother, Clifford Tinsley of Springfield, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four brothers.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill., from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Monahan officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes, with military honors by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891.