Alanson was also preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Boss Manley and his brother, Ray Hooper Manley.
Alanson was a native of Nashville and attended Eakin Elementary, Cavert Jr. High, and graduated from West End High School and Peabody College.
Alanson was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving with the Army Security Agency (ASA) as NCOIC of a highly classified military intelligence activity.
After his military service and graduation from college, he spent his career as a salesman and district manager for Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation. Providing educational films. reference books, textbooks and computer software for the students at Tennessee schools from kindergarten through college.
Alanson is survived by his children, Bill (Carol Ann) Manley, Boss (Lori) Manley, Beth Manley Boatman and Brad Manley; his grandchildren, Jason (Kelsey) Boatman, Katie (Jay) Mitchell, Laney Boatman, Becky (Tyler) Jones, Paige Manley (Hollie Sanders) and Chase Manley and four great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
