Bernice "Br" Alley

B.R. served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Signal Corps Operator and was Honorably Discharged. He was a retired Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy. His law enforcement career began at Belle Glade Correctional Institute. He then went to DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy. He moved to Manatee County in 1971 and went to work for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department. He retired from there in October 1996 after 26 years. During his tenure at M.S.O he founded the Dive Team for the Sheriff’s Office. He was one of the First Responders of the May 9, 1980 Skyway Bridge Collapse.

He was a member of The Blue Knights motorcycle club and enjoyed riding his Harley. He frequently traveled to Michigan for hunting and spent time bass fishing. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandkids. He enjoyed their company and was very involved in their lives. He always welcomed their friends into his home and never knew a stranger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Linda (Plummer) Alley, sons Randy (Sue) Alley, Michael (Brenda) Carr, daughters Sandra Weinkauf Grabowski, Linda (Randy) Hoffman, Suzanne Creasman. Sisters Kathryn Alley Waters and Fay Hill. Grandchildren Susan (Andy) Allred, Christopher Weinkauf, Eric (Jillian) Alley, Lisa (Jamie) Rankin, Jenny Johnson, Joe Moncada, Kimberly (Travis) Voliva, Kevin (Tory) Carr, Stephanie (Tim) Lortt, Lindsey Alley, Jill (Kyle) Stokke, Kelly Carr, Jena Rhoden, Auriele Creasman. 18 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Terry Douberly, Mother Mary Alice Alley, Father James Clinton Alley, Brothers Leon Alley and Harold Alley and two Sister In-Law’s.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in his memory be made to Braden River United Methodist Church at 5858 44th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34203.

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park is entrusted with final care.