Alphonso George Lumpkins died peacefully at home after a long and valiant fight with cancer on March 1, 2009. He was 75.
Al, or “Lump” as he was affectionately called, was born and raised in St. Louis. He did a stint in the U.S. Air Force before marrying his beloved “Belle,” a marriage that endured 51 years. Al was a loving husband and devoted family man.
As an auto worker of nearly 30 years, he fought many battles with both management and the union to ensure that the conditions and rights of black and women workers were respected and protected.
Al was the first chair of the Organization for Black Struggle; he was a founding member of the National Black United Front in 1980. He was an avid reader on the history and struggles of African peoples and loved sharing that knowledge with others.
Lump led a dedicated life to human rights and peace and was an inspiration to many across the country. He was generous with his time and money when it came to supporting and uplifting his community.
Al is survived by his wife, Clarice; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers; other family members and a host of loyal friends. His generosity, humor and wisdom will be greatly missed.