Leon W. "Wally" Alston

Leon Waldemar ""Wally"" Alston, Jr., 84, died on January 11, 2011 after a short battle with cancer.
The Athens, GA resident was born in Bogalusa, LA in 1926 to Leonidas W. Alston and Lucille M. Alston. He grew up in Hattiesburg, Ms and joined the U.S. Army while still in high school in 1944 and also served in the Korean War as a Command Sergeant Major. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and was married for 50 years to his lovely wife Alice Noel Alston of Saluda, SC until her death in 2002. Longtime residents of Pass Christian, MS; Wally and Alice were famous for their raucous Mardi Gras parties held in their front yard of their home which was on the parade route. Attendees cherished Alice's Una Oop award for best costume. He was a 23 year employee of NAVOCEONO at the Stennis Space Center and served 13 years as regional coordinator for Special Olympics.
He is survived by his children Allen Alston of Shoreline, Washington; Sally Evans of Oklahoma City, OK; Matt Alston of Athens, GA; Drew Alston of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. and 5 lovely grandchildren.
His children nicknamed him ""Hurricane Wally"" because he truly was a force of nature. Sensitive, volatile, loud, and lovable he never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, exceptional Father, cherished grandfather, a great poker player, poor gambler, awesome fisherman, great exaggerator, wonderful story teller and friend to many. His gregarious larger than life personality will be missed. God's speed Wally.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 4, 2011, 12 PM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME in Biloxi, Mississippi; burial to follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the American Cancer Society or any local Hospice agency.