Alvin J. Frazier
Born April 5, 1950; in St.
Petersburg, FL. Alvin J. Frazier is the
youngest son of the late Deacon Johnnie Frazier & Mattie L. Frazier. At an early age Alvin learned the importance
of an education from his mother. She was the one who planted the seed of
learning and stressed the importance of getting an education. Alvin’s older brothers, Elijah & Johnny
L. Frazier, both athletes and graduates of Gibbs; both motivated him to hone
his talents on the court. While his mother’s dream of becoming a teacher
inspired Alvin to challenge himself academically. But it was his years at Gibbs High School that
allowed Alvin to incorporate his family influences and pave the road for the
man he is today.
In 1966 the inception of
desegregation had begun for Pinellas County, a defining year for Alvin since
many black students were choosing to leave Gibbs in hopes of “new
experiences”. But Alvin made the choice
to continue his education at Gibbs High.
There he excelled in sports playing on both the Basketball and football
teams. That same year Alvin was introduced
to coach Freddie Dyles, Gibbs basketball coach.
Coach Dyles reiterated the importance of responsibility, teamwork and
always keeping a “winning attitude”. Coach
Dyles philosophies lead Gibbs to win their first district, regional and state
championship in the newly integrated division.
But it wasn’t just sports that
Alvin J. Frazier excelled in; he was just as dedicated to his studies as he was
his team(s). Gibbs High School also
introduced Alvin to Principal Emanuel Stewart, the man who “made you feel like
it was an honor to be a
Gladiator.” Principal Stewart encouraged
Alvin to acquire the “total educational experience”; he emphasized that a
quality leader is to not only be athletic, but intelligent, responsible and a
part of one’s community.
In 1968, Alvin graduated from
Gibbs in the top 30% of his class with a four year scholarship to Clark College
in Atlanta, GA. Alvin went on to receive
his B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in economics in 1972. Shortly after college Alvin married his high
school sweetheart, Joyce Miller Frazier. The couple has two daughters, Diana
& Mona Frazier, and five grandchildren.
For the past 32 years Alvin has been a Professional Sales & Service
Agent with American National Insurance Co.
In 2008, Alvin retired from the St. Petersburg Times where he gave 28
years of his service.
Today Alvin gives back to the
community through the various boards and committees he serves. As a member of St. Mark M.B. Church for the
past 20 years, Alvin is on the Board of Trustees and a Chairman of the Finance
Committee. Another board Alvin serves
on, one which is near and dear to his heart, is Gibbs High, Class of 1968;
where he is a Board Member and also Chaplain.
Alvin believes it was his “total educational experience” at Gibbs High
School that formed the foundation for his success in life.
"God has smiled on
us. Let us enjoy and be thankful for his
many blessings. There is purpose in our lives
and we make a difference in the world."
-Alvin J. (BIGMAN) Frazier
