Alfred Vernon Wootten III

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Alfred Vernon Wootten III. Alfred passed away surrounded by family on October 30th, 2026. Throughout his 71 years of life, Al’s adventurous and indomitable spirit touched the lives of many.

Al was born in Timonium, Maryland on June 24th, 1955. Al lived a life that was anything but ordinary. His pursuits carried him across the country and around the world, from the shores of Florida to the islands of the Western Pacific.

As a writer, photographer, and storm chaser, Al had a fascination with the extraordinary. He worked as a severe weather stringer, documenting multiple tornadoes, Super Typhoon Yuri in 1991, and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1992.

Al spent much of his professional life on the island of Guam, where he devoted nearly two decades to public service. He served as a public information officer for the Government of Guam’s Department of Youth Affairs and as a press secretary for the Office of the Governor. His work took him through the Pacific region and placed him in the center of significant historical events, including serving as a media coordinator during President Bill Clinton’s visit to Guam in 1998. In recognition of his contributions, the Guam Legislature commended him for 20 years of service to the people of Guam in 2003.

Beyond his work in public affairs, Al was a passionate writer and educator. A published author, columnist, and speechwriter, he also served as director of public relations for Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and Miami Christian College in Miami, Florida. He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam, and taught English, writing, and communications to students from many walks of life, including students of Guam Community College, Navy Personnel, and incarcerated adults. After returning to Maryland, he continued his career in public service with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where his writing helped inform national leaders during major natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina. He later spent close to a decade as a high school teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools, including Clarksburg High School and Gaithersburg High School.

Throughout all of these life chapters, Al has remained a devoted family man, loving husband, and father. Al was warm and caring, and had true interest in life and the people around him, which earned him a reputation of a true friend to many. Al had a life rich with experiences, and his stories will live on through those who knew and loved him.

Alfred is survived by his daughter, Sasha Wootten, his sons Alfred (Fred) Vernon Wootten IV; and Nikita Wootten, his sisters Kathy Anders; and Joann Moorefield, and his wife Vitalia (Vita) Wootten.

A memorial celebrating Al’s life will be held on Saturday November 7th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Rinaldi Funeral Services: 9241 Columbia Blvd., Silver Spring, MD 20910. The viewing will start at 11 AM followed by the service at 1 PM. Following the service, the family will host a reception from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church: 610 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. We invite all who were touched by Al’s presence to attend.

Should friends desire, contributions to assist the family with funeral arrangements would be deeply appreciated and can be sent to https://gofund.me/14b60d728.