Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr.
Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr. passed away peacefully at Asbury Place, Kingsport, TN on March 3, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was born July 31, 1926 in Hawkins County, TN to Jesse Clyde Alley, Sr. and Grace Wallace Alley. He was the third of four children.
Wallace was an entrepreneur at the early age of thirteen. Alley delivered coal to customers around his native Church Hill, with no driver’s license. At fourteen, he was awarded a contract to deliver coal to schools in the eastern part of Hawkins County, still with no driver’s license.
At age fifteen, Alley heard that a school bus route through Goshen Valley was in need of a driver, so he bought a used bus and ran the route himself, with the benefit of a valid license. He expanded into the northern part of the county the following year, buying a second bus and hiring a classmate to run that route.
With World War II in full swing, the county closed a nearby school and approached him about transporting those students elsewhere. His business flourished throughout his high school years. So began the journey that eventually led to the establishment of several successful businesses.
Upon graduation from Church Hill High School, Wallace entered the U.S. Navy, and served from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy as the war ended, Alley immediately entered Vanderbilt University earning a business degree in nine quarters, graduating in 1948.
Alley opened his first automobile dealership in 1949 as Alley Motor Company in Church Hill. He sold Plymouth and DeSoto automobiles and Massey-Harris farm equipment. At age 23, alley was the youngest person ever granted a Chrysler franchise. In 1950, Alley added a GMC truck franchise. Business grew and in 1960 he opened a dealership in Kingsport—Alley’s Chrysler-Plymouth. Eighteen years later, he established Alley’s Dodge-Jaguar-Saab. He especially enjoyed that all three sons joined him in the auto business. Alley retired in 2011 upon the sale of the dealership.
Wallace was a member of Mafair United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and in many capacities over the years.
Wallace Alley has been “giving back” to the community throughout his life. He was an over thirty year member and past-president of the Kingsport Civitan Club; a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College; former president of the Greater Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and a life-time member; former vice-chairman of the Chamber Foundation. He served on the Kingsport Industrial Development Board as chairman from 1986-1990. He was a former director of Holston Valley Hospital, Holston Mental Health Center, ETSU/UT University Center Foundation and Advisory Board and the ETSU Foundation.
In 1958, Wallace was instrumental in the incorporation of Church Hill and became its first City Manager. In 1975 he was a founder and first Chairman of the Board of United Security Bank in Mt. Carmel, TN, which was later sold to Tri-City Bank, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years.
Wallace has been a member of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America for over forty-five years, serving in many positions from Scoutmaster to Council President, Council Executive Board Member. He is a former President of the Area 6, Southern Region, National Boy Scouts of America. He has received many awards for his contributions to Scouting, including the Pioneer, Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Distinguished Silver Eagle Awards.
Alley’s awards for civic and business achievement include the Andrew Jackson award in 1994 by the Tennessee Automotive Association, Chrysler Five Star Award of Excellence over twenty consecutive times. Alley was one of ten finalists out of more than 20,000 dealers nationwide for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1995. Alley was appointed by the governor in 1992 to the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission serving two terms.
Additionally, he was included in the Junior Achievement Business Leader’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, Wallace was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie A. Alley in 1987; sister, Geraldine Alley Meyung; brother, Dr. J. Clyde Alley, Jr. and wife Delores; daughter-in-law, Lisa Christian Alley.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Virginia Fox Alley , Kingsport; three sons,
Wallace D. Alley, Jr. (Doug) and wife Sharon, Martin E. Alley, and David G. Alley, all of Kingsport; three step-daughters, Debbie Fox, of Gray, TN, Teresa Cochran and husband Barry of Warner-Robins, GA, Wendy Laughrun and husband Jan of Gray, TN; along with nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Christian Alley of Kingsport, Samantha Ketron and husband Brody of Minneapolis, MN, Chandler Fox, Mackenzie and Lindsey Laughrun, of Gray, TN, Andrew Cochran, US Navy, Kaitlyn Cochran, Jonathan Cochran and wife Whitney of Warner-Robins, GA; two great-grandchildren, Weiland and Dylan Cochran; one brother, Edmond L. Alley and wife Vashti of Kingsport; brother-in-law, Eugene Meyung of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Martine Haynes and husband John; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2015 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN with funeral services held at 1:30 pm with Pastor Kim Goddard officiating. Graveside Services will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Nephews will serve as Pallbearers and members of the Loyalty Class of Mafair UMC will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Mafair United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN or, The Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 3010, Johnson City, TN or The Alzheimer’s Association, NE TN Chapter, 207 North Boone Street, Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Carter-Trent Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Wallace Alley, Sr.
Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr. passed away peacefully at Asbury Place, Kingsport, TN on March 3, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was born July 31, 1926 in Hawkins County, TN to Jesse Clyde Alley, Sr. and Grace Wallace Alley. He was the third of four children.
Wallace was an entrepreneur at the early age of thirteen. Alley delivered coal to customers around his native Church Hill, with no driver’s license. At fourteen, he was awarded a contract to deliver coal to schools in the eastern part of Hawkins County, still with no driver’s license.
At age fifteen, Alley heard that a school bus route through Goshen Valley was in need of a driver, so he bought a used bus and ran the route himself, with the benefit of a valid license. He expanded into the northern part of the county the following year, buying a second bus and hiring a classmate to run that route.
With World War II in full swing, the county closed a nearby school and approached him about transporting those students elsewhere. His business flourished throughout his high school years. So began the journey that eventually led to the establishment of several successful businesses.
Upon graduation from Church Hill High School, Wallace entered the U.S. Navy, and served from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy as the war ended, Alley immediately entered Vanderbilt University earning a business degree in nine quarters, graduating in 1948.
Alley opened his first automobile dealership in 1949 as Alley Motor Company in Church Hill. He sold Plymouth and DeSoto automobiles and Massey-Harris farm equipment. At age 23, alley was the youngest person ever granted a Chrysler franchise. In 1950, Alley added a GMC truck franchise. Business grew and in 1960 he opened a dealership in Kingsport—Alley’s Chrysler-Plymouth. Eighteen years later, he established Alley’s Dodge-Jaguar-Saab. He especially enjoyed that all three sons joined him in the auto business. Alley retired in 2011 upon the sale of the dealership.
Wallace was a member of Mafair United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and in many capacities over the years.
Wallace Alley has been “giving back” to the community throughout his life. He was an over thirty year member and past-president of the Kingsport Civitan Club; a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College; former president of the Greater Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and a life-time member; former vice-chairman of the Chamber Foundation. He served on the Kingsport Industrial Development Board as chairman from 1986-1990. He was a former director of Holston Valley Hospital, Holston Mental Health Center, ETSU/UT University Center Foundation and Advisory Board and the ETSU Foundation.
In 1958, Wallace was instrumental in the incorporation of Church Hill and became its first City Manager. In 1975 he was a founder and first Chairman of the Board of United Security Bank in Mt. Carmel, TN, which was later sold to Tri-City Bank, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years.
Wallace has been a member of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America for over forty-five years, serving in many positions from Scoutmaster to Council President, Council Executive Board Member. He is a former President of the Area 6, Southern Region, National Boy Scouts of America. He has received many awards for his contributions to Scouting, including the Pioneer, Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Distinguished Silver Eagle Awards.
Alley’s awards for civic and business achievement include the Andrew Jackson award in 1994 by the Tennessee Automotive Association, Chrysler Five Star Award of Excellence over twenty consecutive times. Alley was one of ten finalists out of more than 20,000 dealers nationwide for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1995. Alley was appointed by the governor in 1992 to the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission serving two terms.
Additionally, he was included in the Junior Achievement Business Leader’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, Wallace was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie A. Alley in 1987; sister, Geraldine Alley Meyung; brother, Dr. J. Clyde Alley, Jr. and wife Delores; daughter-in-law, Lisa Christian Alley.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Virginia Fox Alley , Kingsport; three sons,
Wallace D. Alley, Jr. (Doug) and wife Sharon, Martin E. Alley, and David G. Alley, all of Kingsport; three step-daughters, Debbie Fox, of Gray, TN, Teresa Cochran and husband Barry of Warner-Robins, GA, Wendy Laughrun and husband Jan of Gray, TN; along with nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Christian Alley of Kingsport, Samantha Ketron and husband Brody of Minneapolis, MN, Chandler Fox, Mackenzie and Lindsey Laughrun, of Gray, TN, Andrew Cochran, US Navy, Kaitlyn Cochran, Jonathan Cochran and wife Whitney of Warner-Robins, GA; two great-grandchildren, Weiland and Dylan Cochran; one brother, Edmond L. Alley and wife Vashti of Kingsport; brother-in-law, Eugene Meyung of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Martine Haynes and husband John; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2015 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN with funeral services held at 1:30 pm with Pastor Kim Goddard officiating. Graveside Services will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Nephews will serve as Pallbearers and members of the Loyalty Class of Mafair UMC will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Mafair United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN or, The Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 3010, Johnson City, TN or The Alzheimer’s Association, NE TN Chapter, 207 North Boone Street, Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Carter-Trent Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Wallace Alley, Sr.
Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr.
Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr. passed away peacefully at Asbury Place, Kingsport, TN on March 3, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was born July 31, 1926 in Hawkins County, TN to Jesse Clyde Alley, Sr. and Grace Wallace Alley. He was the third of four children.
Wallace was an entrepreneur at the early age of thirteen. Alley delivered coal to customers around his native Church Hill, with no driver’s license. At fourteen, he was awarded a contract to deliver coal to schools in the eastern part of Hawkins County, still with no driver’s license.
At age fifteen, Alley heard that a school bus route through Goshen Valley was in need of a driver, so he bought a used bus and ran the route himself, with the benefit of a valid license. He expanded into the northern part of the county the following year, buying a second bus and hiring a classmate to run that route.
With World War II in full swing, the county closed a nearby school and approached him about transporting those students elsewhere. His business flourished throughout his high school years. So began the journey that eventually led to the establishment of several successful businesses.
Upon graduation from Church Hill High School, Wallace entered the U.S. Navy, and served from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy as the war ended, Alley immediately entered Vanderbilt University earning a business degree in nine quarters, graduating in 1948.
Alley opened his first automobile dealership in 1949 as Alley Motor Company in Church Hill. He sold Plymouth and DeSoto automobiles and Massey-Harris farm equipment. At age 23, alley was the youngest person ever granted a Chrysler franchise. In 1950, Alley added a GMC truck franchise. Business grew and in 1960 he opened a dealership in Kingsport—Alley’s Chrysler-Plymouth. Eighteen years later, he established Alley’s Dodge-Jaguar-Saab. He especially enjoyed that all three sons joined him in the auto business. Alley retired in 2011 upon the sale of the dealership.
Wallace was a member of Mafair United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and in many capacities over the years.
Wallace Alley has been “giving back” to the community throughout his life. He was an over thirty year member and past-president of the Kingsport Civitan Club; a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College; former president of the Greater Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and a life-time member; former vice-chairman of the Chamber Foundation. He served on the Kingsport Industrial Development Board as chairman from 1986-1990. He was a former director of Holston Valley Hospital, Holston Mental Health Center, ETSU/UT University Center Foundation and Advisory Board and the ETSU Foundation.
In 1958, Wallace was instrumental in the incorporation of Church Hill and became its first City Manager. In 1975 he was a founder and first Chairman of the Board of United Security Bank in Mt. Carmel, TN, which was later sold to Tri-City Bank, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years.
Wallace has been a member of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America for over forty-five years, serving in many positions from Scoutmaster to Council President, Council Executive Board Member. He is a former President of the Area 6, Southern Region, National Boy Scouts of America. He has received many awards for his contributions to Scouting, including the Pioneer, Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Distinguished Silver Eagle Awards.
Alley’s awards for civic and business achievement include the Andrew Jackson award in 1994 by the Tennessee Automotive Association, Chrysler Five Star Award of Excellence over twenty consecutive times. Alley was one of ten finalists out of more than 20,000 dealers nationwide for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1995. Alley was appointed by the governor in 1992 to the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission serving two terms.
Additionally, he was included in the Junior Achievement Business Leader’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, Wallace was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie A. Alley in 1987; sister, Geraldine Alley Meyung; brother, Dr. J. Clyde Alley, Jr. and wife Delores; daughter-in-law, Lisa Christian Alley.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Virginia Fox Alley , Kingsport; three sons,
Wallace D. Alley, Jr. (Doug) and wife Sharon, Martin E. Alley, and David G. Alley, all of Kingsport; three step-daughters, Debbie Fox, of Gray, TN, Teresa Cochran and husband Barry of Warner-Robins, GA, Wendy Laughrun and husband Jan of Gray, TN; along with nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Christian Alley of Kingsport, Samantha Ketron and husband Brody of Minneapolis, MN, Chandler Fox, Mackenzie and Lindsey Laughrun, of Gray, TN, Andrew Cochran, US Navy, Kaitlyn Cochran, Jonathan Cochran and wife Whitney of Warner-Robins, GA; two great-grandchildren, Weiland and Dylan Cochran; one brother, Edmond L. Alley and wife Vashti of Kingsport; brother-in-law, Eugene Meyung of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Martine Haynes and husband John; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2015 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN with funeral services held at 1:30 pm with Pastor Kim Goddard officiating. Graveside Services will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Nephews will serve as Pallbearers and members of the Loyalty Class of Mafair UMC will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Mafair United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN or, The Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 3010, Johnson City, TN or The Alzheimer’s Association, NE TN Chapter, 207 North Boone Street, Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Carter-Trent Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Wallace Alley, Sr.
Wallace Douglas Alley, Sr. passed away peacefully at Asbury Place, Kingsport, TN on March 3, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was born July 31, 1926 in Hawkins County, TN to Jesse Clyde Alley, Sr. and Grace Wallace Alley. He was the third of four children.
Wallace was an entrepreneur at the early age of thirteen. Alley delivered coal to customers around his native Church Hill, with no driver’s license. At fourteen, he was awarded a contract to deliver coal to schools in the eastern part of Hawkins County, still with no driver’s license.
At age fifteen, Alley heard that a school bus route through Goshen Valley was in need of a driver, so he bought a used bus and ran the route himself, with the benefit of a valid license. He expanded into the northern part of the county the following year, buying a second bus and hiring a classmate to run that route.
With World War II in full swing, the county closed a nearby school and approached him about transporting those students elsewhere. His business flourished throughout his high school years. So began the journey that eventually led to the establishment of several successful businesses.
Upon graduation from Church Hill High School, Wallace entered the U.S. Navy, and served from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy as the war ended, Alley immediately entered Vanderbilt University earning a business degree in nine quarters, graduating in 1948.
Alley opened his first automobile dealership in 1949 as Alley Motor Company in Church Hill. He sold Plymouth and DeSoto automobiles and Massey-Harris farm equipment. At age 23, alley was the youngest person ever granted a Chrysler franchise. In 1950, Alley added a GMC truck franchise. Business grew and in 1960 he opened a dealership in Kingsport—Alley’s Chrysler-Plymouth. Eighteen years later, he established Alley’s Dodge-Jaguar-Saab. He especially enjoyed that all three sons joined him in the auto business. Alley retired in 2011 upon the sale of the dealership.
Wallace was a member of Mafair United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and in many capacities over the years.
Wallace Alley has been “giving back” to the community throughout his life. He was an over thirty year member and past-president of the Kingsport Civitan Club; a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory and Henry College; former president of the Greater Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and a life-time member; former vice-chairman of the Chamber Foundation. He served on the Kingsport Industrial Development Board as chairman from 1986-1990. He was a former director of Holston Valley Hospital, Holston Mental Health Center, ETSU/UT University Center Foundation and Advisory Board and the ETSU Foundation.
In 1958, Wallace was instrumental in the incorporation of Church Hill and became its first City Manager. In 1975 he was a founder and first Chairman of the Board of United Security Bank in Mt. Carmel, TN, which was later sold to Tri-City Bank, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years.
Wallace has been a member of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America for over forty-five years, serving in many positions from Scoutmaster to Council President, Council Executive Board Member. He is a former President of the Area 6, Southern Region, National Boy Scouts of America. He has received many awards for his contributions to Scouting, including the Pioneer, Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Distinguished Silver Eagle Awards.
Alley’s awards for civic and business achievement include the Andrew Jackson award in 1994 by the Tennessee Automotive Association, Chrysler Five Star Award of Excellence over twenty consecutive times. Alley was one of ten finalists out of more than 20,000 dealers nationwide for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1995. Alley was appointed by the governor in 1992 to the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission serving two terms.
Additionally, he was included in the Junior Achievement Business Leader’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, Wallace was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie A. Alley in 1987; sister, Geraldine Alley Meyung; brother, Dr. J. Clyde Alley, Jr. and wife Delores; daughter-in-law, Lisa Christian Alley.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Virginia Fox Alley , Kingsport; three sons,
Wallace D. Alley, Jr. (Doug) and wife Sharon, Martin E. Alley, and David G. Alley, all of Kingsport; three step-daughters, Debbie Fox, of Gray, TN, Teresa Cochran and husband Barry of Warner-Robins, GA, Wendy Laughrun and husband Jan of Gray, TN; along with nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Christian Alley of Kingsport, Samantha Ketron and husband Brody of Minneapolis, MN, Chandler Fox, Mackenzie and Lindsey Laughrun, of Gray, TN, Andrew Cochran, US Navy, Kaitlyn Cochran, Jonathan Cochran and wife Whitney of Warner-Robins, GA; two great-grandchildren, Weiland and Dylan Cochran; one brother, Edmond L. Alley and wife Vashti of Kingsport; brother-in-law, Eugene Meyung of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Martine Haynes and husband John; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2015 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN with funeral services held at 1:30 pm with Pastor Kim Goddard officiating. Graveside Services will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Nephews will serve as Pallbearers and members of the Loyalty Class of Mafair UMC will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Mafair United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN or, The Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 3010, Johnson City, TN or The Alzheimer’s Association, NE TN Chapter, 207 North Boone Street, Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Carter-Trent Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Wallace Alley, Sr.
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husband of Billie A. Alley
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