Alley, Alvin Douglas
Dr. Alvin Douglas (Doug) Alley, of Valley, Ala., passed away at Lanier Memorial Hospital on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the age of 83.
He was born March 3, 1925, in Pulaski, Va., where he lived until he was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. After his combat service in World War II, he returned to continue his education at Florida State University where he was in the first coed graduation class. He is credited with the lyrics to the FSU fight song which is still played today. After receiving his doctorate from FSU, he taught in the public school system in Panama City and St. Petersburg, Fla. Dr. Alley worked as the education advisor for the United States Army in South Korea and Japan from 1938 until 1964 counseling soldiers about educational opportunities through the G.I. Bill. While overseas, Dr. Alley wrote about 50 short stories, many of which were published in English newspapers, paperback and hardbound copies of collections of short stories. Dr. Alley moved to Auburn, Ala. in 1965. He was Professor Emeritus of English Education in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Auburn University.
Throughout his tenure at Auburn, he taught courses in linguistics, the teaching of literature and English language arts curriculum. For many years he served as coordinator of English Education. During the 1980’s he directed a series of three summer institutes on literary criticism and the teaching of literature funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. He advised and directed the dissertation research projects for more than thirty doctoral students in English Education. A creative writer, he enjoyed writing poetry, fiction and sacred music. He retired in 1990.
Doug loved to cook and entertain, even from his first days at Auburn, where he hosted endless social gatherings with students as well as faculty. He loved life. He loved meeting new people from all walks of life and lived it to the fullest. Doug was a true “old movie” buff, but needed the current news every morning and enjoyed live theater often. He has been recognized by The Writers Guild for two novels and wrote music and lyrics for several churches Christmas pageants. He was an avid sports fan and crossword puzzler. He was a caring and generous man to all those who knew him. He never wanted to be in the spotlight but he will always be our shining star. He touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew him as a friend and to some, a mentor.
Dr. Alley is survived by one sister, Aileen Mildred Webber; and her son, Bill Reavis, of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; Kochan Nakaoka, of New York City, N.Y., who is like a son; a host of nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Alan and Linda McDaniel, Jess and Joyce Thompson, Arnold Glass, Kathleen Smith and Brian Doyle.
Stevens Funeral Home in Pulaski, Va. will be officiating a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at Thornspring Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Winn officiating. Visiting will be after the service at the cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be directed to The College of Education Retirement Faculty Scholarship Endowment, College of Education, Office of Development, 3084 Haley Center, Auburn University, Ala. 36849. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.