Howard E. Alley, 88, of Roswell, Georgia, passed peacefully at his home on April 3. Following service as an aerial gunner in the U.S. Naval Air Force 1943-1946, Mr. Alley received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UGA in 1951. His passion for flight led to a long and distinguished career in aerospace engineering at both Goodyear Aircraft and Lockheed Martin. After retirement in 1989, Mr. Alley pursued his lifelong interest in creative writing and over the ensuing decade published a historical novel and numerous short stories and essays. Additionally, his training as a portraitist saw fruition in cherished oil paintings of five generations of family members. His love of the North Carolina mountains led him to repurchase land in Highlands which had been in his family since 1820. With the encouragement of his loving wife, he designed and built with his own hands a log cabin home, which will continue to be owned and cherished by his extended family.
Mr. Alley is survived by his wife, Kathleen Johnsa Alley, daughter Jennifer Alley Finot (Dr. James C.), son E. Matthew Alley (Tiffany), sister Kathryn McCoy (Walter), stepdaughter Shannon Hemminger (Jay), stepson Norman Marwitz, III, and grandchildren Jennifer Jane Foster (Robert L.), Ciara Breece Alley, and Cory Malone Chovan. Additionally, Mr. Alley has three great grandchildren and a host of loving nieces and nephews. “Papa” taught us how to live well and how to finish well. He is now rejoicing over the words of his Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord.”
Memorial Service at Roswell Presbyterian Church on Saturday April 13 at 11 a.m. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Roswell Presbyterian Elder Adult Ministries.
Michele Glazer
To Kathy and the Alley family,
I was so saddened to hear of Howard&singleqoutess passing. I feel honored to have had the pleasure to know him and have his presence at Barrington Hall at many of our events. He was truly a gentleman; kind, distinguished and so frienly. My deep sympathies to your family.
David Slagle
Matt, what a good life your father enjoyed. You and yours must surely be grateful for such a great legacy. I would love to read and see some of his works some time. Praying for you this morning as you and your family rejoice forever and hurt for a while. Love you, brother. P.S. I cannot help but wonder if he and my father crossed paths. My father is 87, served in the Navy in WWII, and lives on family land in Western N.C. that was settled in the 1700&singleqoutess by some rogue group of Slagles. Peace.