DAWSON — Ronald Andrew Alston, 66, died May 4, 2016, at Dawson Health & Rehabilitation. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 9 at Parrott Cemetery.
Mr. Alston was born Jan. 28, 1950, in Cuthbert, Georgia, the eldest child of Frank F. Alston Jr. and Rebecca Rutherford Alston of Parrott, and the first grandchild of Frank F. Alston Sr. and Mary Alma Massey Alston.
He attended the public schools of Terrell County until ninth grade when he left for Lyman Ward Military Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama. He later returned home where he graduated in 1970, from Greenfield Academy in Weston.
He graduated from Georgia Southwestern College in 1975, with an associate’s degree in nursing, which was his life’s calling. He worked for 16 years of his more than 30-year career with dialysis patients, with whom he enjoyed interacting.
Mr. Alston was known for his sharp wit, his love of history and his amazing memory. He soaked in the stories of his family and hometown and could relate them with relish decades later. He was an accomplished pianist, writer, conversationalist and artist, and played trombone in junior high and high school. He was a unique man and will be missed by many loving and devoted friends and his family.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his sister Beth Alston, and brother Dennis R. Alston; his aunt, Mary Frank Alston Laviner, and uncle, Charlie W. Alston; and cousins, Steve Alston, Gayle Alston, Jayne L. Taylor and Bruce Laviner, with all of whom he enjoyed a charmed childhood. Two very special friends of the family also survive: Jimmy Chandler and Lamon Brand.
The family is very much appreciative of the loving kindness and care of the staff and administration of Dawson Health & Rehab and Albany Community Hospice during their loved one’s final days.
Memorials may be made to Sumter County Humane Society, 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus GA 31719, or the American Cancer Society.
Harvey’s Funeral Home, Dawson, is in charge of arrangements.