The sun rose on the life of Alton Harold Southall, Jr. on June 21, 1948, when he was born to Alton Harold Southall, Sr. and Eva Dove Southall. It would rise again for him decades later, on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1972, when he married the love of his life, Regina Long. And on Sunday, November 23, 2025—53 years to the day God blessed their union—the sun gently set as God whispered to Alton that it was time to fly away.
Alton grew up anchored in faith, spending many days at Noble Street Baptist Church with his mother and siblings. He would often reflect on how his mother kept them in church “seven days a week,” a foundation that shaped his character, compassion, and the way he treated people throughout his life.
He spent his early years in what was then known as Alexander Park, later renamed Victory Park, located on the outskirts of Portsmouth in the former Norfolk County. His schooling carried him through Southwestern Elementary and then Central Elementary, where he met a lifelong friend, Alvin Swilley. By the time he reached S.H. Clarke Junior High School, he felt he had finally “made it.” Due to overcrowding, he attended Clarke for only the seventh grade before advancing to I.C. Norcom High School—a move that left other students believing he had skipped a grade.
At Norcom, Alton thrived. He immersed himself in school life—FTA, the Spanish Club, Student Patrol, Student Council, and his greatest joy, the dramatics and acting club. It was also at Norcom that his natural musical talent flourished. Following in the footsteps of his father, he became a gifted drummer. As he grew older, he often accompanied his father at proms and dances, delighted to share his skill and passion for music. Alton graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1966, a milestone he shared with his future wife, Regina.
Shortly after high school, Alton answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Army in 1967 and served honorably in the Vietnam War, completing three years of service and earning the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant.
After returning home, Alton briefly attended college and apprenticeship school before beginning his 30-year career at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He started as a planner estimator and retired in 2003 as an architectural engineer—roles that showcased his sharp mind, problem-solving skills, and meticulous nature.
Alton was known affectionately by many simply as “Southall.” To his community, he was the man who could fix anything. Whether it was lawn care, ceramic tile work, painting, or repairing cars, if Alton touched it, it stayed fixed. His workmanship—and his willingness to help anyone who needed him—became part of his legacy. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, gifted with hands that could repair, restore, and build, but also with a heart that served without hesitation.
In addition to his many talents, Alton was deeply committed to civic and fraternal service. He was a Past Master of Truxton Lodge No. 91, under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, where he served with dignity and leadership. He was also a proud Life Member of the American Legion William H. Harrison Post 190, honoring his dedication to fellow veterans.
Alton was preceded in death by his father, Alton Harold Southall, Sr.; his mother, Eva Dove Southall; his sisters, Rita Jean Southall and Delcie Annette Southall; and his brother, David Wesley Southall.
Alton’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Regina Long Southall; his son, Jason Ansuel Southall (Nikki); his daughter, Andrea Corine Southall Jones (Jason, Sr.); and his beloved grandson, Jalen Jeffery Southall, who brought him endless pride. He also leaves behind his sisters, Linda Southall Hardy and June Southall Harrington (John); his cherished aunts, Margaret Colleen Southall Moore, Gloria Dove Webb, and June Dove; his sister-in-law, Jewel B. Long; two nieces and one nephew; many cousins and extended family; and lifelong friends Alvin Swilley and William “Fish” Jones.
To know Alton was to know steadiness, honesty, humor, and kindness. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, friend, soldier, musician, craftsman, and the quiet hero of his community. His hands built and repaired much, but his presence built and sustained even more.
As we celebrate his life, we hold fast to the memories, the lessons, and the love he shared. The sun may have set on his earthly journey, but his light continues—steady, warm, and everlasting—in the hearts of all who loved him.
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Steve Oh says
November 25, 2025 at 9:39 amI am so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God and your loving memories of him give you comfort during this difficult time.
Peggy L. Garris says
November 25, 2025 at 12:54 pmMay the God of all comfort keep you at this time . You are In our prayers and heart.Your neighbor The Garris Family
Joseph and Peggy Garris and Sons says
November 25, 2025 at 12:55 pmMay the God of all comfort keep you at this time . You are In our prayers and heart.Your neighbor
David and Cassandra Southall and family says
November 25, 2025 at 4:49 pmNo more pain and strugglles, rest in peace my cousin. Grace and Mercy to the family.
Ivy Tagger says
November 28, 2025 at 4:11 pmSending my love to the Southall family. I met Mr. Alton and Soror Regina while taking my father to dialysis. Both are such beautiful and loving people!! I would always enjoy my many conversations with them. I pray God comforts the family during this time of loss and grief. And know that God is our ultimate support and comforter. He will see you through.
Soror Angie Currence Parker says
December 4, 2025 at 7:22 amSending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire family and friends of Mr. Alton. Praying your strength Soror Regina, Soror Andrea, Jason, and Soror Jewel. May the peace of Christ comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. May the joyful memories remain in your heart and may his light forever shine over all the lives he touched. God bless all. – Soror Angie
Reginald and Joyce Terry says
November 30, 2025 at 11:27 amWe send our heartfelt sympathy to Soror Regina and her family in the passing of her husband. We remember the many conversations that we had about traveling and long distance driving across country.. Rest in peace Alton.
Reginald and Joyce Terry, Birdsnest,Virginia
Dana (Linda and Greer) says
December 1, 2025 at 9:58 pmI cannot think of a better man I’ve ever known than my uncle. He was a truly good human, and I loved his soul. On behalf of my mother, his sister Linda, and my sister Greer, we extend our deepest condolences to Regina and his children, Jason and Andrea. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Bennie L. Marshall Lundy says
December 2, 2025 at 7:18 pmOn behalf of the Marshall Family, I am indeed glad to have this opportunity to express my gratitude for knowing Alton and having him and his family as my neighbors and friends for more than 40 years. Alton was a wonderful and neighborly person who gave freely of himself to help others. The Marshall family offers our sincere condolences to Regina, Jason, and Andrea. May God continue to bless and keep each of you.
Shirley, John, and Ja'Nelle Wilson says
December 3, 2025 at 6:26 pmSending heartfelt condolences to Regina, Andrea, and Jason. We were sorry to hear of the passing of Southall. He was that neighbor that was always there to help when you needed help. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort each of you today and in the days ahead.
Norma Parks Ragland says
December 4, 2025 at 8:08 pmDear Regina and Family,
I had hoped to be present for Alton’s service, but could not make it happen. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Alton was my one of my “wing men” in Drama at Norcom. I could always count on him and his buddy, Alvin, to keep things moving in the right direction.They were like professional stage managers.
May he rest in Christ’s eternal peace.
Norma Ragland
Daniel boyd sr says
December 5, 2025 at 5:38 pmWe shall miss Alton”s presence in this life.Passing from this life for all the those
that die in Christ is to be present with Jesus. We shall meet again. Praying for your comfort and peace! May God’s love be with you