John Alley

MARION, VIRGINIA: JOHN DENNY ALLEY, age 93, died Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at his home in Marion. John was born May 25, 1917 in Smyth County to the late James Anderson and Mary Elizabeth Rainey Heniger Alley. He enlisted in the Army, October 9, 1942 and served in the 83rd Infantry Division, Company A, 331st Infantry. He was stationed at Camp Atterbury, Indiana; Breckinridge, Kentucky; Camp Shanks, New York and Tennessee maneuvers. John participated in action in Normandy, Nothern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was in a field hospital for 17 days in July 1944 with combat fatigue, then sent back to his old Company A, 331st. Just as he walked up to headquarters, he heard Sergeant Brown say he needed a messenger and 1st Sergeant Cramer pointed at John and said "there's a good one". He remained at headquarters until the war ended. Private First Class Alley was discharged November 15, 1945. Decorations included Purple Heart, for wound at Ham; EAME Ribbon, Good Conduct, American Theater Service Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon. Upon returning home from the war, he worked at Brunswick for the next 38 years until his retirement. John was an avid bowler and golfer. He was well known for the tomatoes he grew every year. His green thumb could make anything grow! He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion and a life long member of Marion VFW Post #4667. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Woodrow and Sherrill Alley; four sisters, Mary Alice Booth, Sue Eggleston, Margaret "Mag" Totten and Elizabeth Lee. John is survived by nephews, Walter, Eddie and Roger; two nieces, Mary Woolwine and Rita Roberts; great-niece Sue Crotts; great-great-niece Alley Crotts and many friends including his special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Freeson, Kelly Murray, Bill Thomas, Carol Hall and Garnett Allison; several nieces and nephews also survive. "Uncle Denny we love you and will miss you, our memories are precious and we thank you for each and every one. Give granny a kiss and we will see you soon!" Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend Adam Blackwell officiating. Graveside services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Alley Family.