Alvis Pollard

Alvis Pollard was born October 6, 1956 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Willie and Odessa Pollard. His parents and two siblings, Michael Pollard and Veronica Matthews, have preceded him in death.

Dedicated to his family, he was an amazing father who taught his kids the importance of integrity and facing challenges head-on. He also imparted essential survival skills and encouraged them to be vulnerable. He stood firm on his principles, and once upset, you would find yourself on his bad side.

He loved fishing, enjoyed traveling, and played the saxophone. He often performed in a band with his family, who were all musicians. Kenny G was his favorite artist, and he had a deep appreciation for jazz music, holding an old-school heart.

His personality was always jolly, softhearted, and kind. Although shy, he was loving, very smart, and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed a good joke, was always smiling, and loved taking pictures. He was truly his own man.

He had the gift of gab and could talk for hours, developing his own language along the way. He loved everyone and would give his last to help those in need.

Known as a workaholic, he worked with his hands as a carpenter by trade and a general contractor. Self-taught, he became known as "The Carpet Man." He started a business with his sons called Pollard and Sons Contractors. Additionally, he worked at the railroad in East St. Louis, Illinois, as well as serving as a maintenance worker and handyman in apartment complexes. He also spent time working at American Steele.

He played a significant role in starting the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program and was instrumental in the Head Start Program. He served as the President of the Resident Council and even ran for Alderman in Springfield, Illinois.

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Alvis retired from his earthly duties at the age of 68 years, two months, and 25 days.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Shelia Pollard of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, his sons, Al (Monica) Pollard of Swansea, Illinois and Jeremy (Kiara) Pollard of Columbia, Missouri, his daughter, Kaleeni Pollard of Tacoma, Washington, his brothers, Larry Pollard of Centerville, Illinois, Kenneth Pollard of Springfield, Illinois, Cedric Pollard of East St. Louis, Illinois, and Sylvester Pollard of California, his sisters, Cheryl Sykes of Washington Park, Illinois, Priscilla Pollard of Florissant, Missouri, Melody Lyles of Florida, and Angela Prude of Kentucky, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Services will begin Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Missouri.