Date Posted: 2016-01-02

Glen David Alkire, 82, of Charlotte, N. C., peacefully departed this world on Jan. 2, 2016.

The family will celebrate Mr. Alkire privately and announce a larger celebration of his life at a later date.

Dave was born in Lexington, on July 12, 1933 to Helen and Leonard Alkire and was a member of the LHS class of 1951. He graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering, a BA in English and a minor in German from the University of Nebraska. Upon graduation, Dave attended Army Intelligence School and Army Language School with a concentration in Japanese and served in Okinawa,Japan. He took employment with Celanese Fibers in 1959 and continued to serve them for over 30 years. It was also at Celanese that he met his wife, June, an employee and fashion show model. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

A lifelong learner, Dave continued his professional education at Harvard Business School and Virginia Tech, and studied languages recreationally post-retirement at UNC Charlotte (Spanish and German), Middlebury College (Spanish) and UNC Chapel Hill where he spent two years in the Master’s Program for German Literature.

Additionally, he was a competitive tennis player, a Flying Scot skipper, and a committed volunteer for his church and community. He ran the Charlotte Observer Marathon at age 52, rode his bike across the state of Tennessee at age 54, took up windsurfing and hiking in his late 50s, and learned to swim in his 60s, ultimately winning at a regional level and competing at the national level of the Senior Games.

He was a member of the Buddy Kemp “Live Poets” Society, volunteered with refugees and immigrants in theCharlotte area, served as an interpreter, Spanish and ESL instructor, and helped to build a Habitat for Humanity house. He was respected for his wisdom and intellect, and enjoyed for his kind heart and bright sense of humor.

Mr. Alkire is survived by his wife, June; his daughter, Kristen Alkire Eshleman; son-in-law, Jonathan; and grandchildren, Ethan, Kelsey and Evan. He was adored by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Providence United Methodist Church Local Missions,2810 Providence Road,Charlotte,NC 28211.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.