Obituary of John Alley

John Alley, age 83, of Detroit, passed away, Friday, December 14, 2012, at his residence. Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 17, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Detroit with Rev. Doug Higdon and Rev. Bill Draper officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Dale Sulsar, Michael Smith, Oscar Gray, Chad Wolfe, Jerry Simpson and David Duley. Honorary Pallbearers are Gearld Doty, Larry Roberts and Shawn Beck. John was born in the Pecan Gap Community in Delta County, December 11, 1929, to John D. and Leona Sandlin Alley. He married Evelyn Sanders on December 27, 1947, in Paris. He retired after being employed by the Texas Department of Transportaion for 30 years in the Paris, Texas office. John enjoyed fishing, farming and was known in the area for raising purple hull peas. He also volunteered many hours and very proud of taking care of Bethel Cemetery in Fulbright. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Alley of Detroit; 1 son, Dustin Alley and wife Melissa of Fulbright; 2 daughters, Johnnie Smith and husband Doyle of Detroit and Brenda Burchinal and husband Mike of Detroit; 6 grandchildren, Chester Gray, Dottie Daigle, Myca Whitten, Twila Freeman, Miranda Bates and Caitlin Bates; and 15 great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Bethel Cemetery Association; 1818 East Booth St., Paris, Texas 75460.