09/12/2026
With very heavy hearts, we are here to share that Alvin Lytle has passed away this week, on September 10th. He has been a very important part of our market, and our community, for years. He was a passionate, hardworking man, but more importantly, he was so incredibly kindhearted. Though on his exterior he seemed tough, I always saw him meet people with such empathy and generosity. He will be very missed, both by those who knew him closely, and by those who built relationships through being fed by him.
His loved ones have asked us to share his funeral arrangements with the community, and anyone who wishes to pay respects to him is welcome to attend.
Visitation will be tomorrow, Sunday, from 1:00–3:00 PM at Beam Funeral Service in Marion, NC.
Graveside rites will be Monday at 2:00 PM at Cherry Springs Memorial Park in Old Fort, NC.
Here is a quote about him from his recent GoFundMe that was made before his passing
“If you’ve shopped the tailgate / farmers markets at Black Mountain, Earthaven, Enka-Candler, or Glad Hearts, you probably know Alvin. He’s a big man, usually in Carhartt coveralls and worn leather boots, a long grizzled gray beard covering most of his face, soft-spoken in a thick mountain drawl. He can seem a little imposing at first, right up until he hands you your figs and asks after your family. Anybody who knows him will tell you the same thing: the size of the man has nothing on the size of his heart.”
The GoFundMe is still up and donations will be going to his loved ones.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alvin-recover-after-a-heart-attack
