"He only had a fifth-grade education, but the man could take a car apart, do welding jobs, plumbing and electrical work," said David Alewine, the younger of two sons.

Mr. Alewine, an accomplished carpenter and contractor, was the owner of AAA Construction from 1979 until he retired in 1992. He also worked at several other places in Augusta, such as Plant Vogtle and Savannah River Site.

"He had a big influence on people, especially those he worked with," said David Alewine, of Alexandria, Va. "He was revered as a master in his trade."

Mr. Alewine, 80, died Friday at University Hospital after a brief illness. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road. The Rev. Alan Faulkner will officiate.

Born in Wrightsville, Ga., Mr. Alewine worked hard to help his family earn a living, David Alewine said. When he was young, he helped his brother Lamar sell produce.

"That man was driving a produce truck when he was 11 years old," David Alewine said.

Mr. Alewine enlisted in the Navy in 1942. During World War II, he served aboard the USS North Carolina in the South Pacific. He moved to Augusta in 1950.

Mr. Alewine was a member of the John S. Davidson Masonic Lodge and Carpenter's Local 283.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his stepmother, Susie Alewine, Martinez; three half brothers, Thomas L. Alewine, Lawrenceville, Roy Alewine, Loganville, and Herbert Alewine, Martinez; another son, William R. Alewine, Alexandria; two daughters, Carolyn M. Taylor, Johnson City, Tenn., and Lillian M. Clifton, Hephzibah; and four grandchildren.