Alton Hoytt Flinchum, Jr.

Alton Hoytt Flinchum Jr. (Hoytt), passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024 in Huntersville NC.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Laura Martin Flinchum, his father Alton Flinchum Sr., his mother Mildred Flinchum and his sister Joyce Flinchum Furr.   He is survived by his son Brett Flinchum and wife Becky and their children India and Grace Flinchum. He is also survived by nieces, Cheryl Keller (Steve) of Blowing Rock NC and Tricia Wilburn of Batesburg SC and their families. Sometimes friends are considered family and he cherished lifelong friends Judy and Harry Johnston and their families.

Hoytt was born in Mebane NC but spent most of his life in Charlotte.  He attended Newell School and East Mecklenburg High School. Hoytt grew up in Robinson Presbyterian Church and the Newell area in what was then rural north Mecklenburg County.  He would often correct those who referred to the new university, UNCC, and remind them it was UNCN for Newell.  Hoytt and Laura were high school sweethearts at East Mecklenburg High and were married shortly after graduation in 1959. Hoytt was in the army, stationed in Germany where Laura joined him. Hoytt and Laura soon settled in Charlotte to start their family. Hoytt and his dad, mom and sister all worked for Flinchum Fixture Company.  Hoytt led that business for over 40 years.  He took great joy in helping customers and supporting employees and their families.  He was known for being kind and generous.  Their company built many of the old independent restaurants and stores that were, and remain part of, the character and charm of Charlotte and the southeastern United States. Hoytt loved being ‘on the road’ out installing jobs, seeing customers and inspiring employees.  On any trip by car across the Southeast, he would revel you with tales of jobs, or stores, he ‘put in’ those areas.  He also enjoyed traveling beyond work with many trips to Colorado, California, and all across the Midwest and Northeastern United States.  He found great joy in seeing and learning new things, whether ‘on the road’ or with his nose buried deep in the latest biography, history, or social sciences book.

Hoytt and Laura were active members of First United Methodist Church in Uptown Charlotte.  Hoytt led the Staff Parish Relations Committee and cherished working with the pastors and church staff to progress the mission of the church.  Hoytt was also chairman of the Child Development Center at First Church and enjoyed partnering and supporting it’s work to support families working in Uptown Charlotte. 

Hoytt’s greatest strengths were as a co-worker, friend, son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved his family and friends very much and cared for them all throughout his life.  We are blessed with his wise adages and life lessons that will live long after him.  I often share his business adages with my colleagues and they are commonly called ‘Hoyttisms’ at our office. 
Hoytt and Laura were the people we all should aspire to be to make the world a more joyful and peaceful place. In lieu of flowers, please share some smiles with someone a little different than you and find joy in the diversity of others.