George Ronald Alston

George Ronald Alston, age 76, of Paducah, transitioned from his earthly home on Thursday, January 11, 2024, 5:02 a.m., at Baptist Health 

Ronnie was born on May 25, 1947, to the late Harold Thomas Alston, Sr. and the late Jethel Wall Alston.  He was the fourth of seven children born to this union and was preceded in death by one brother Harold Thomas Alston, Jr.  

Ronnie, also referred to as George, G. R., G. Ronald, Birdman, Bird and Birddog, was loved by all.  He was a 1966 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School and later attended Paducah Junior College studying auto mechanics.  He was drafted in the Army for combat duty during the Vietnam War.  After returning to Paducah, he moved to St. Louis, MO, to work for Chrysler Manufacturers.  He was also employed by Paducah Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, the City of Paducah Fire Department, and Alston & Associates Realty.  He really enjoyed and revered his work as a firefighter and left with good memories from his relationship with fellow firefighters. 

He was a member of Washington Street Baptist Church from early childhood and participated in many activities as a youth in the church.  In his adult years, Ronnie was an usher and took great pride in the appearance and the duties of an usher.  Often when he traveled, he would stop and purchase ties and handkerchiefs for the ushers to obtain that special look.  Greeting and welcoming were sincerely his calling.

As a youth in the community, Ronnie was an active participant at the Boys Club and was a member of the Keystone Club, a youth leadership organization. He and his cronies were Mr. Cross’ boys. He later served as a member of the Board of Directors. Initiating golf lessons for the youth at the Club was another one of his passions.

Ronnie had such a zeal for golf that we all knew he would do anything for you after he came home from the golf course.  He organized the Duffers Club for his good friends and eagerly participated in tournaments.  He was known around town for his cars and motorcycles.

Ronnie was a family man who truly loved Cynthia, his devoted wife of more than 50 years.  The common bond they shared was the commitment to and love of family.  The union brought the Alston and Clark families together as one.  He especially loved his siblings, children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces and several of them have memorable scars to show for it.  

He leaves to cherish his memories: His Wife of 50 years, Cynthia Clark Alston, Paducah, KY, Two Daughters, Michelle Thompson, Killeen/Ft. Hood, TX, Melissa Newton (Meryl), Frisco, TX, Three Grandchildren, Milton Thompson Jr., Killeen/Ft. Hood, TX, Aysia Newton-Clemons (Kaleb), Louisville, KY, Ian Newton, Frisco, TX, Four Sisters, Jacqueline Hall, Plantation, FL, Diane Johnson (Marvin), Memphis, TN, Pamela Vaughn (Clarence), Boca Raton, FL, Deborah Edmonds (Eddie), Paducah, KY, One Brother, Bryan Alston (Melanie Mathis), Paducah, KY, One Brother-in-Law, Dwayne Wall, Seven Nephews, George Mahin, Jr., Louisville, KY, Martin Vaughn, Pittsburg, PA, Terence C. Williams (Melissa), Houston, TX, Derek Vaughn (Courtney), Scottsdale, AZ, Gerard Vaughn (Brandi), Atlanta, GA, Gregory Williams (Andrea), Houston, TX, Dante’ Thomas (Connie), Raleigh, NC, Three Nieces, Ardis Hall, Lauderhill, FL, Margaret Akinsemoyin (Rilwan), Murfreesboro, TN, Tanika Wall, Lexington, KY,20 Great Nephews and Nieces, 7 Great-Great Nephews and Nieces, One Aunt,Constance Broyles (Lysanias), Davenport, IA and A Host of Devoted Bonus Children, Loving Godchildren, Unwavering Friends and Extended Family.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024, 12 noon, at Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Raynarldo Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.