Alton Rector was born March 26, 1929 in Vernon, AL, to Stephen Foster and Laura Dowdle Rector, who both preceded him in death.  He passed from this life January 16, 2023.  He was 93 years old and had lived a full life.

Alton had 3 brothers, Richard, Sam, and Oliver Rector, and 4 sisters, Ilene Ellis, Pauline Thompson, Hazel Bell, and Betty Holley of Columbus, MS, all of whom had passed before him except his younger sister, Betty.  Alton is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Gomes, of Palm Bay, FL, and a host of nieces and nephews.  He loved his parents and felt immense honor that he could help support his parents, especially his mother after his father passed away.

Alton proudly joined the Army in 1946 and transferred to the Air Force shortly after, serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He made the military his career for over 20 years in the Air Force.  He met the love of his life while he was in the military and married Vera Delores (Dodie) Winstead on January 23, and they were together for over 50 years until her death in 2012.  They loved each other immensely and Alton missed Dodie every day of his life after her passing.  They raised seven children: James Michael Rector (deceased), Sherry (Stoney) Price of Vernon, AL, Robin Rector of Anchorage, AK, Melanie (Terry) Collins of Round Rock, TX, Lisa (Jeffrey – deceased) King of New London, CT, Shawn Rector (deceased), and Mary (Jared) Felkins of Watertown, TN. They traveled across the United States and England while in the Air Force.

Alton retired from the military and worked for a time at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Manufacturing Corp. in St. Louis, MI. Then, they moved back to his hometown of Vernon and eventually opened an appliance repair store.

Alton loved God, his family, and his country and it showed in every aspect of his life.  Alton was a deacon for the Vernon Church of Christ where he and Dodie were members for five decades.  He was a staunch supporter of Alabama football (Roll Tide).  He enjoyed visiting with family and working with his hands, and always had a project going.  Alton also enjoyed being able to go fishing.  He had a sly sense of humor, and there were so many times when one might question, is he joking or serious.  His love of God's earth showed in his ability to grow vegetables and fruits and he loved that Dodie could can and freeze the fruits of their labor to help provide food for their big family.

Alton has 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.  He was definitely a loving grandfather, and he would light up every time he had an opportunity to see them.  He was very proud of his family, and he was always inquiring about them and praying unceasingly for their welfare.  He was admired and respected by everyone in his family.  His sons-in-law learned much from him, and his grandsons have expressed how they felt he was a true example of a God-loving man.

Alton will be missed by his family and so many more in the community that he lived, worked, supported, and worshipped in.  But we all know that he is no longer in pain and no longer feels the grief and sadness accompanied by losing so many of his loved ones.  We celebrate the life that he has lived, and his influence and example will last for generations.

Funeral services will be Sunday, January 22, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Terry Collins and Eddie Finch officiating.  Burial will follow at the Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday evening, 6:00-8:00 PM.