Alvin “Al” Phillip Hampton, 81, of Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26 at 2:24 PM at Morton Plant Hospital, following co‑occurring health issues. Born on May 14, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Al was the beloved son of Heloise Hampton and Sam James.
Al proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam Veteran. His strength, discipline, and deep sense of loyalty carried through every chapter of his life.
A man of many talents, Al worked as a longshoreman, taxi driver, and construction worker, and was skilled in numerous trades. His hands were rarely still, and he approached every job with determination and pride.
Al’s life journey took him across the country, living in Cincinnati, Waco, San Francisco, Atlanta, Pinellas County, Largo, Anchorage, Baltimore, and Cleveland.
A true world traveler, he cherished visiting family and friends wherever they were. No matter the distance, Al made people feel close. He treated his friends like family, and his family like treasure.
He is survived by his sister Elois M. Cobbins and brother‑in‑law Oliver Cobbins; brothers Thomas Edward Foster and Oscar D. Foster III; and sister Dr. Sandra “SaNa” Foster. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hold his memory close.
Al was preceded in death by his mother, Heloise Hampton; father, Sam James; and brothers Norman Hampton, Terry Foster, Dennis Foster, and Sam James Jr.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who prayed, called, sent cards, or sat with him during his illness. A special and loving thank‑you is offered to Larry Spellman, whose care and companionship during Al’s final days will never be forgotten.
Inurnment will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 9:00AM.
Al’s life was full, rich, and deeply connected to the people he loved. His spirit, generosity, and warmth will continue to live on in every life he touched.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Sandra J. Foster
2560 Pineywood Lane
East Point, GA 30344
My deepest condolences to the family and friends.Al will be missed.Peace and love to you all.
My sincere condolences to Sana and the family. Love, Peace and Blessings
My deepest condolences go’s out to the family, I will most definitely keep you all in prayer. May the Lord wrap his loving arms are you all in these difficult times.
We go miss u unc …. Your nephew lil Tyler
Uncle Alvin was truly one of a kind—always present, always fun, and always full of love. He will be deeply missed, but the memories and laughter he gave us will stay forever.
Al was one of my best cousin and my love and condolences goes out to all of my Family and all of the friends who knew him!
My heartfelt condolences to Al’s family and many friends!
I first met Al in Boston through my cousin Ricky Alvino and I had just left the Navy.
Al convinced me to move to Bethesda, Maryland and share a house with him and his roommates.
He changed my life and introduced me to his friends and his young sisters on Saturday morning phone calls!
Al and I drove my barf bucket car 22 hours straight to the Mardi Gras! What an adventure! We slept in the car across from the police station.
He introduced me to Nancy and her family in Baltimore and always amazed me by the way he lived life !
He always worked never asked for help, and I used to tell him how I admired him for being himself and not wanting to be tied down, he enjoyed all people, could do anything especially open a Coke bottle with his teeth!!
Boy could Al play chess! He beat everyone except Kenny Hoops unless Kenny was drunk!
When he worked construction in DC and was the President of his company with Kenny Hoops and we rented an apartment at 16th and R Streets the worst neighborhood and we didn’t know it until my car was towed and we went to the police station to get out of the pound and our former roommate Danny Wheeler who was a DC cop told us!
He especially loved his family even his sister the Psychologist who talked about him on her radio show and guys he worked with at a car wash said they his sister was talking about him!!
Al visited me and my wife Maddie here in Summerville,SC about five years ago but we kept in touch mostly me texting him and always on his May 14th birthday.
I called him after he had heart surgery, but in the last year I never heard back to text messages.
I will miss uncle Al the kiddies pal! His Booga, Booga! His Cabbages and Kings!
Of course he was a proud Marine, but on New Year’s Eve 1971 we left for Bethesda hitch hiking on a very snowy night!
But who picked us up? Two Navy Sailors!!
I forever would remind him of that and tell him that Al you know that you Marines still work for us!
Al was the best!
Everyone he touched is better for it!
Rest in peace Al!
Love you!
Chucky