Marvin William Alston, Jr

Marvin William Alston Jr., age 85, died peacefully on July 9, 2023, in Sandersville, Georgia. Services will be held on July 22, 2023, at the Sandersville United Methodist Church, at 2:00 PM, with a family visitation following, in the Heritage Room.

Marvin was raised by his parents, Marvin Alston Sr. and Frances Thigpen Alston, in Sandersville. He graduated from Sandersville High School in 1956 and Georgia Institute of Technology in 1960, with a degree in Industrial Management. After graduation, he started his career in communications with positions at Southern Bell and BellSouth. He later was a noted auditor with AT&T, in New York City. He retired in 1995 from a position in Atlanta and returned to his beloved home in Sandersville.

Marvin was married to Joanna McElrath (Alston) for nearly 60 years, raising their family in Macon, Georgia; Short Hills, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina and Alpharetta, Georgia. Marvin was proud of his Sandersville roots and was involved in numerous community projects, including the Downtown Development Authority and the Sandersville Farmers Market. He served as treasurer for the Sandersville United Methodist Church for seventeen years and was a member of the choir. He was passionate about sports, frequently attending the Masters and football games at WCHS and Georgia Tech. He also enjoyed farming, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joanna; children, Jane Alston, Anna Alston and Joe Alston; and grandchildren, Jonathan Powell, Leo Powell and Frances Lozensky.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.  Leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com