Alvin Terry Landers

Alvin Terry Landers, 82, of Columbia, SC, passed away on February 2, 2021. Al was born on February 11, 1938 to David and Nannie Landers in Acworth, Georgia. The fourth of six children, he was raised in Duluth, GA and graduated from Duluth High School in 1956. He served in the United States Army as an artilleryman and was deployed to Germany during the Korean Conflict. Al met and married the love of his life, Audrey Evans Landers, by whom he is survived, in 1962. He was formally trained in heating, ventilation and air conditioning and established A & R Service, Inc. in 1973. He and Audrey went on to operate Landers Properties in the latter part of his life. He was an active member of the Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church and devoted much of his time to the principles espoused by his faith. An avid philanthropist, he became a foster parent to several children, traveled to Estonia and Costa Rica as a missionary, and gave back to his community most every opportunity afforded him. He enjoyed dressing up as Colonel Sanders to visit local nursing homes residents to add cheer to their day. Al was a man of great humor and passion and enjoyed spending most mornings with his friends at his “breakfast club” to get his day started. He rarely missed a Sunday at the flea market looking for rare finds and fresh produce to share around his family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Pamela Landers Edwards (Tommy) of Lexington and Amy Landers May of Charleston; granddaughters, Allison Helms and Ashley Helms both of Lexington; grandsons, Finnegan May and Landon May, both of Summerville; sons-in-law, H. Michael Helms (Terrie) of Columbia, Jon C. May of Summerville; and daughter-in-law Amy White Landers of Lexington. He is predeceased by his son, Jason Todd Landers. Al is also survived by sisters, June Starnes and Mary Ann Kenerly; and brother, Billy Landers (Mary), all of Atlanta, GA; and brother-in-law, Franklin Evans (Mildred) of Columbia. His brother, Neal Landers, and sister, Marie Powers, preceded him in death. He leaves behind over thirty nieces and nephews, as well as his faithful dog, Skeeter. Following a private internment, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Columbia First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 243 Riverchase Way, Lexington, SC 29072. Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Columbia First Seventh-Day Adventist Church WBAJ Radio fund, 243 Riverchase Way, Lexington, SC 29072.