Albert Joseph (Joe) Alston died while snorkeling in Bermuda on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at the age of 79. At the time of his death, he was enjoying a dream vacation with his wife, daughter and granddaughter. Mr. Alston maintained a winter residence in San Bernadino, CA and a summer residence in Statesboro, GA. Mr. Alston was born October 24, 1931, in Richland, Georgia, son of the late James M. Alston, Sr. and Mary Emma Jones Alston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James (Jimmy) Alston; a grandson, Jamie Alston; and his brother, Ray Allen Alston. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Lee Cowart Alston; one daughter, Janet Alston (Leonard) Youwer of Fond Du Lac, WI; one son, Kenneth (Anita) Alston of Beaumont, CA; fourteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. His surviving siblings include two brothers, James M. Alston, Jr. of Columbus, GA, and Tommy Alston of NC, and FL; and two sisters, Estelle Riles of Richland, GA, and Mary Nell (Rubyn) Howell of Grand Island, FL. Included in the survivors mourning the loss of Mr. Alston are two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, special family friends, Linda and Stan Sanchez, several nieces and nephews. Joe retired after serving twenty-seven years with an illustrious career in the United States Air Force. He served as flight engineer during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Among the highlights of his career was his part in the return of the Apollo 11 astronauts from the Pacific to Houston, TX. He and his crew were also selected to bring the first load children and the first load of POWs out of Hanoi, Vietnam. As a result, the C141 that he flew is now on display in the Wright-Pat Museum. Upon his retirement in 1975, Mr. Alston embarked on a new career as a tax specialist, serving six years as an auditor with the IRS and then establishing Alston Tax Service in the early 1980's. He continued working from his home office in San Bernardino, CA. with his many clients through this past tax season. Mr. and Mrs. Alston enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively. Joe enjoyed a short vacation just weeks ago snorkeling in Jamaica. Among other things, Mr. Alston enjoyed mentoring family and friends. In honor of his military service to our country, a military funeral will be held at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glenville, GA, on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 1:00 PM.