Alexander "Trace" Armstrong Alston III, at 62 years of age, died of being too good for this world, on November 6th, 2022, in his home on Belhaven Street.

He is survived by his wife Cathy, his mother Sarah Jane, his sister Alyce, his brother Sheldon, his son Alexander, his daughter Mary, his grandchildren: Emily, Virginia, and Jillian, and too many other loved ones to name. He was beyond excited to meet his first grandson who is expected in February.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Alston Jr.

He was born on August 14, 1960, in Orange Beach, California to parents Alex and Sarah Jane Alston. He graduated from Murrah High School and Mississippi State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Trace Alston was a creative philosopher, eternal optimist, spiritual advisor, and great friend. His ability to see the world at a different angle shed light others in this world have never contemplated. There was never an underdog that he didn't champion, and there was never a friend who felt slighted.

He could build anything and at sixteen built a 16-foot ski boat in his parents' garage. Of course, Trace's greatest productions were the spectacular Hal's St. Paddy's Day parade floats that rolled down the streets of downtown Jackson for decades. Trace's involvement culminated in his being the grand marshal of the parade in 2022. He was named grand marshal in 2019, but because of Covid postponements, Trace claimed he was the longest running grand marshal in the history of the parade.

He tackled every day, and every challenge with a grin and some grit. He was loved by all who knew him and was a legend in his own time. He was and would proudly proclaim that he was among "the last of the real men," capable of achieving any goal he set his mind to. He never left a friend in need or a task undone. He would challenge the impossible and come home victorious.

He lived every second of his life by his own rules and paved his own path with no regard for what was likely or possible, doing or saying what he saw as the right thing.

Jackson, MS was his home and his heart. He traveled the world, saw every corner of it, and then came home, set down roots, and worked to bring light and joy to his home. Once, he was called out to fix Marine One, the presidential helicopter, as the chief engineer over its hydraulic system, and the very next day helped a neighbor with a leaky sink. He was more likely to leave the president without a helicopter than a friend in need.

He leaves behind a crater in this world that will never be filled but also a blinding light that will continue to illuminate the path of all who knew him for years to come.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 12 ^th at 10 am, with a Memorial Service starting at 11am. Both will be located at Fondren Presbyterian located at 3220 Old Canton Road, Jackson MS 39216.