Lt. Col. Pontha DeLeon Alston

Passed away on December 20, 2010.


FUNERAL SERVICE:
Thursday, December 30, 2010
11:00 a.m. EST
Saint Mark A.M.E. Church
3605 Campbellton Road
Atlanta, Ga. 30331


INTERMENT:


OBITUARY:

Lt. Col. Pontha DeLeon Alston was born on January 15, 1936 in Conway, South Carolina. Ile was the youngest son, the sixth born of seven children, to the late Lonnie Connor and Iowa Anjarone Davis Alston.

Raised on a farm in the small town of Conway on what is affectionately known as "The Sandridge, " Pontha was educated in the Horry County public school system and graduated from Whittemore High School in 1953. A true Carolina Boy, Pontha enrolled at South Carolina State University- Home of the Bulldogs- where he earned his bachelor's degree in Chemistry in 1957. Shortly after completing his collegiate work, he entered the United States Army on June 21, 1957. On April 23, 1962, Pontha married his sweetheart, Kay Lorraine Shepherd Alston.

Pontha was a highly decorated soldier, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and received numerous honors and awards, including a Bronze Star for meritorious military service during the Vietnam War, an Army Commendation Metal for distinguishing himself by heroism, and The Legion of Merit Metal for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. He traveled the abroad throughout his illustrious career, including service in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Korea. After 28 years of dedicated service, Pontha retired on June 30, 1985 from Fort McPherson here in Atlanta.

Affectionately known to his friends as "PD" he was not only a decorated soldier, he was a dedicated man of faith. Giving his life to the Lord at an early age, Pontha continued his spiritual growth as a member of St. Mark AME Church. Here at St. Mark, he was instrumental in establishing the Secular Education Commission and Organization which recognizes academic excellence in our youth. In addition, he served on the Steward Board and the Sons of Allen. Pontha was a faithful servant at St. Mark for 25 years, until his passing.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Kay, three beautiful daughters, as well as, his granddaughter. He is also survived by three siblings and a host of other loving relatives ana friends.